"Manava Seva is Madhava Seva" - Baba

Last week, I started a contest based on Hindu temples. I had hoped for more entries, but I guess not many are active nowadays on Hive, and with the crypto volatility, it can't be expected to attract a large number of people. 

Anyway, my dear friends did not disappoint me and took time out from their busy schedule and write an entry. I am so happy that they did so because I was able to read about temples I did not even know were there, and also about the stories behind them. To be honest, I would have given them all the same prize, but rules have to be followed, so I guess I will have to judge based on that. 

https://images.ecency.com/p/2YRZBi4FZVHeLuau3m8MumiUXfA7eZTW31v33oUtB9pXeiKYCAedrisQ3cBhzPenA75MrY5TZRgMsGuYTxWWc5JtdHvdR55EHBU.png?format=match&mode=fit&width=600&height=500

The results are as follows, and I will distribute the prizes after publishing the post. 

1st Prize - @bhattg 
You can read his entry [here](https://ecency.com/hive-172365/@bhattg/jageshwar-dham-mysteries-and-legends)
I was very moved after reading his blog. He has written exactly as I wanted, and it is as if Lord Shiva himself has guided him. The stories behind the temple structures, the folklore, the beliefs of the people, and the prophecy that the world will end when the deity's hands move were all so intriguing. Interestingly, the Sucheendram Anjaneya temple (you can Google it) is also believed to have such a prophecy that when the Lord's hands reach above his head, the Kali Yug will end. Thanks again to Bhattg, who makes me feel proud of him. 

2nd Prize - @inuke 

Nukesh is a guy like me. An introvert, perhaps like me, but when he is around people he is comfortable with, he opens his mind. I was hoping that he would enter, and with a bit of coaxing from Bhattg, he did, and it was truly interesting to read about his visits to the temples. I hope I can visit these temples sometime and see the splendour of the Indian temple architecture. 
"I once saw a guy climbing the steps on his knees while applying chandan (Sandalwood Paste) and kumkum (vermilion) to each step. He was just happy that his daughter had gotten into a good college, and he gave the credit to god. I used to believe that people were unreasonable, but now I understand that it's about a personal connection. We dont have to find meaning in each and every action that is happening around us. We just need to understand that the definition of faith is different for everyone, and each one experiences god differently. You dont have to be a fanatic to experience the magic. You dont even have to ask, because god already knows what's best for you."
Read more on his post [here](https://ecency.com/hive-172365/@inuke/visit-temple-to-cleanse-mind-and-soul)
Inuke has reached a philosophical stage where he now understands why people visit temples and offer such pujas. Very few people go beyond or understand the reason. 
Thanks again to @inuke


3rd Prize - There are very few participants. So, I thought I would give both participants the same prize. 
@idea-make-rich and @mysteriousroad 

Both of them have shared original pictures and stories about their visits. It is interesting to read about the temples that they visited. 
You can read the post [here](https://ecency.com/hive-172365/@idea-make-rich/gossip-on-self-manifested-shivling) - @idea-make-rich 
@mysteriousroad [here](https://ecency.com/hive-163772/@mysteriousroad/experiencing-the-divine-beauty-of)

The temple of the Swayambhu linga is very interesting because it mentions an architect who dug below to find the source, but he could only get to see water that was rising. This reminded me of the story of how Lord Brahma and Lord Maha Vishnu had set out to find the beginning and end of Lord Shiva and returned without finding. 

Thanks to the participants, we were all able to read about temples, folklore, and see original photos. 

I hope to post more such contests again in the near future. 

Jai Sai Ram