Field Paper Assignment:

Trip to the Shri Shiva-Vishnu Temple in Lanham, MD

This assignment requires you to make close observations at the Shri Shiva-Vishnu Temple and then reflect upon those observations. The assignment has three parts:

1. Create a narrative of your experience at the temple. In this narrative, be sure to include:

a. A detailed description of the main shrines to Siva and Vishnu and one other deity

b. A detailed description of at least one ritual activity that you observed

c. Your observations of visitors and their activities in the temple

d. Your observations of priests and their activities in the temple

2. Characterize the different relationship(s) enacted between humans and deities as you observed them

Be sure to use appropriate terms (e.g., Vishnu, puja, darsan) when you can.

3. Describe your personal reaction to what you saw and heard in the temple: What did you learn and what are your questions (include at least three)?

The paper should be no less than four full pages in length, double-spaced with 1” margins and 12 pt. font. Please see the syllabus for the due-date.
All thoughtful and well-composed papers will receive full points.