What do I do at the Temple?
Rediscovering Hindu Tradition and Rituals with AI Companions
Why this came to mind…
Growing up, my mother's devout faith and commitment to Hindu rituals and prayers were constants in my life. Despite her best efforts to instill a sense of religious devotion in me, I found myself disconnected from these practices, more interested in the latest video games than the intricacies of Hinduism. As a result, I never paid much attention to the significance of rituals or the stories behind the gods and goddesses respected by billions.
Now that I am older…
I can't help but feel a sense of unease about my lack of knowledge and understanding of Hinduism. With Hanuman Jayanti approaching this weekend, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar, I find myself uncertain and confused…
Am I Doing This Wrong? Are the Aunties Looking At Me!?
As I prepare to visit the temple to mark the occasion, I realize that I am “unprepared” to fully participate in the rituals and prayers that hold such significance for my family and community.
Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.
One of my biggest concerns is the potential loss of cultural knowledge and traditions as older generations pass away. My mother, who has a ton of knowledge about Hindu rituals and practices, may not always be there to guide me through these moments. While I've tried to convince her to document her wisdom in writing, there’s just too much to write!
Ummm mom they are asking me for my Nakshatra…
Then I started thinking… What if I had a buddy?…
Enter the idea of an AI companion/chatbot for cultural understanding. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods of passing down knowledge, why not harness the power of technology to create a solution that meets the needs of today's generation? I would love an app that offers personalized guidance on Hindu rituals and prayers, tailored to the user's level of knowledge and understanding. Users could select their preferred temple and access a range of resources, from basic explanations of key concepts to step-by-step instructions for performing specific poojas.
Sample User Journey with my Chatbot:
Pranav’s Question: Who is Ganesha, and what is he the god of?
Bot Response: Ganesha is the god of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings. People pray to him for success, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. The deity is located in the back right section of the temple.
Pranav’s Question: In what order should I visit the different deities?
Bot Response: There is no strict order for visiting deities, but it is customary to start with Lord Ganesha, followed by other major deities like Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu.
Pranav’s Question: My mom always walks around the gods. Why did she do that and what does she usually say?
Bot Response: Circumambulation, known as pradakshina, is a form of reverence and respect towards the deity. It symbolizes devotion, humility, and the cyclical nature of existence. Walking around the deity signifies the journey of life and the continuous pursuit of spiritual growth. While there is no specific prayer prescribed for circumambulation, devotees often chant mantras or recite hymns praising the deity's attributes and seeking blessings for themselves and their loved ones.
The beauty of this concept lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Rather than being preachy or prescriptive, the app would serve as a helpful companion, offering support and guidance to those seeking to deepen their understanding of Hinduism. At temples, users could download the app and access educational sessions or workshops designed to enhance their knowledge and skills. If the app had knowledge of the blueprint of the temple, I could be directed the order of gods to pray to. By integrating technology into religious practices, we can ensure that cultural traditions remain relevant and accessible to future generations.
Looking Ahead: Empowering Future Generations
I believe my generation is interested in preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly digital and individual world. Initiatives like the AI companion for cultural understanding offer hope for the future. By finding ways to use AI not just for large enterprises, we can empower individuals like myself to connect with their cultural roots in meaningful and relevant ways.
The struggle to understand and adhere to their own culture is very unique for this generation, especially for NRI kids. This app will be very helpful for kids to follow the rituals in a right way.
The struggle to understand and adhere to their own culture is very unique for this generation, especially for NRI kids. This app will be very helpful for kids to follow the rituals in a right way.