Divine Interactions

This project aimed at exploring subjective experiences around religion and religious practices which was informed by a place-based study of The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore and Chennai as a background study. This project’s outcome is my comprehensive understanding of five different individuals’ interpretations of their religious experiences and how it affects their overall experience. It involved extensive secondary research of understanding Hindu culture and tradition specific to south India; as well as a study of subjective well-being in people due to religion or religious practices. It required me to engage directly with the environment and address both the visible and invisible issues of caste and gender conflict within the premises of the Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Engaging with sensitive topics such as caste, religion, and gender while staying true to their content and prioritizing empathy and respect for individuals pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone. Initially, I approached these discussions with caution, but over time, I transitioned to a mindset of genuine curiosity and openness. This shift challenged me to navigate conversations with greater sensitivity, allowing me to gain valuable insights and understand diverse perspectives on societal issues.