Audicious your topic has left me more than a bit ..... offended.
But I feel this is probably a better opportunity to explain to you why I am hindu and the reason for our beliefs than get angry.
First off, in Hinduism there is one god but many different forms of god. What you saw on Tuesday was puja (prayer) to lord Shiva. Shiva represents the Destructor in the holy trinity. The trinity consists of the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Together they represent creation, maintenance and destruction. All three are vital in the world.
Shiva prayer is offered to a lingam (the black stone you might have seen on Tuesday's episode). One of the common things used during prayer to Shiva is milk, others include water, honey, yogurt, etc.
In pictures of Shiva you would notice that he is wearing a snake around his neck as a necklace. Thus, the snake on the lingam was present on Tuesday's episode.
The puja itself is a holy moment for us Hindus. I cannot explain it, but while performing this prayer I feel at peace.
Isn't that what religion is all about? I hope you feel the same why offering prayers to Allah. Never will I say he does not exist, because to his believers he does. Likewise, to us Hindus our gods provide us with the spiritualism that we crave.
I was born Hindu, that was not my choice. But over time I have become a proud Hindu, that is my choice. It is my way of life. And I will not dispute your way of life, I suggest you not dispute mine.
