We decided to have a lazy day on Saturday. I stayed up late chatting with my friend Brett, that I've know since I was a kid, so I was all for it. We had a late breakfast, watched tv, and putzed around the hotel until we got hungry for lunch. Then we headed down to the pool. The place was pretty crowded but we ended up with a nice table under the shade. We ordered lunch and splashed around until the kids were tired. We were going to head to Artesia, which is basically Little India, on Pioneer Blvd. to do some shopping and eat but decided to stay in and keep the lazy day going. We ate dinner and finished the day watching the Disney fireworks. Actually Afton passed out before it started. He begged me to wake him up when it started but he wouldn't wake up. I promise I tried, but he was just so exhausted from our lazy day!
We checked out of our hotel on Sunday and headed north to visit the Malibu Hindu Temple. Afton was super excited, though slightly confused. Disneyland must have made a huge imprint on his mind because he kept asking if the Jai Jais (deities) were going to move and talk. Ha!
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the temple has two complexes. The upper area is a Balaji temple, which means it is dedicated to Venkateswara, and the lower is dedicated to Shiva. The grounds are gorgeous with lots of flowers and trees. We went inside and looked at all the deities. Afton's favorites are Ganesha, Hanuman, and of course Krishna (like his middle name). We showed Afton how to say "namasakar" to the Jai Jais and how to bow and touch his forehead to the floor in respect and prayer. This is done so he understands the culture of the Hindu religion, not because we are believers. Afton even wanted to put vibhuti on his forehead (which I did horizontally instead of vertically. oops!). It was awesome watching Afton engage in the experience. Though he has been to temples before, this is the first time he really was interested and involved in the process.
These pictures are kind of out of order, but whatever....
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| The deities located outside are kept behind security gates. |
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| The entrance to the lower complex. |
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| Ganesha! |
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Rowan was extremely happy that there was a big open area
with plush carpet for her to crawl around on. |
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| Venkateswara |
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| Everyone must remove their shoes before entering. |
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| Golden statues of Krishna and Radha at the top. |
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| A beautiful day at a beautiful temple. |
all great pictures
ReplyDeleteThanks Leeboy!
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