E-Paper
In a lighter vein
The temple at Anita Jindal?s home captures the religious fervour of Diwali.
Every home must be decked up today to celebrate the Festival of Lights, Diwali. Diyas, candles, flowers, urlis and traditional lamps gracing every nook and corner, welcoming Lord Rama after his 14 years in exile. So too is fashion designer, Anita Jindal’s home in Punjabi Bagh (West). Decorated in tune with the festivities, it is the temple in the courtyard of the house, however, that catches the eye of the visitor.
Built 40 years ago by Jindal’s father-in-law, the late Dev Sahay Jindal, (one of the stalwarts of the Jindal industrial empire), the temple showcases the right “festive spirit” on the occasion of Diwali with the well-lit façade humming an ode to God. Flanked by planters on all sides, it is shaped in a circle with a small dome on top.
“Being a pious person, for me Diwali is a very important festival. It is a day that does not just hold religious meaning, but is an occasion to welcome one and all to join in the festivities. The temple being the best example of this,” says Jindal.
One of the first things that you notice are the innumerable garlands of marigolds in different colours that decorate its façade. A string of small lights sporting the same colour as the flowers illuminate the whole area. A big metal Ganesha perched atop a pedestal graces the entrance welcoming you inside. A green fabric covers the pedestal and a number of diyas and lotus flowers are placed next to the deity. The floor is covered with small maroon stones. Diyas placed in a line along the corners as well as a brass south Indian lamp placed next to the pedestal further complete the picture.
The entrance to the temple has been decorated by a bandanwaz sporting artificial maroon flowers and beads. The temple has been divided into five round alcoves — all built in a row above ground level — each home to a different Hindu deity. The alcoves have been decorated with fabrics and flowers and the two small steps leading up to them have been covered with green leaves and red roses.
Small deities in palnas and terracotta mandirs placed on the steps add to the religious effect. The most notable among them being a silver Ganesha and Laxmi placed on the step in front of the alcove facing the entrance. Candles, flowers, diyas and a metal urli with floating candles, on the green tiled floor below, complete the picture. A Shivling in white marble flanked by figures of Lord Shiva in different poses and a Nandi to the right of the entrance are all geared to catch your attention.
Keeping the festive spirit alive!