Post by Admin on Jul 24, 2017 10:55:16 GMT -5
The faith of Desmira is polytheistic, much like the southwestern part of the Kingdom. Where they worship the Architect, those of Desmira revere Suraja, the God of the Sun. As a largely desert people, the strength of the sun is paramount, a reminder of man’s own weakness and his dependence on the blessings of his God.
Suraja is a generous god, one who spreads the warmth and light of His presence like a balm over the lands. Without Him, no crops grow, cold goes unchecked, and there is only darkness. That does not mean, however, that he cannot be wrathful – the Sun can scorch just as easily as He can soothe. Prayers and sacrifices are made to ensure that Suraja is properly venerated. Twice a day, bells ring out to call the faithful to prayer; sunrise prayers begin the day while the prayers offered at sunset end the day.
Suraja has four consorts, though once he had many more. Most have since fallen into obscurity, but the consorts representing the Moon, the Home, Fertility, and Rain remain as part of the Desmiran pantheon. They are represented by small altars in the four corners of the main temple, venerated mainly by women.
Worship is conducted both in temples consecrated to Suraja and in the home. The temple is the center of the city, often surrounded by lush gardens with fountains and benches, waterscapes, and trees. The grounds resonate with sacred music during the day, helping to create an atmosphere of reflection and peace.
The interior of the Temple is nothing short of magnificent. The architecture is mostly open with many windows and arches to allow the sunlight to flood the building during the day, or to let the golden light of a thousand candles and lanterns spill out against the darkness. Intricate tilework adorns the interior walls, presenting beautifully complex patterns of flowers, vines, and shapes in a myriad of colors to represent the sun and the sky. Soft, figured carpets line the floors while large, circular chandeliers and lanterns soar overhead.
The temple itself is open for prayers at any hour, attended by the Dhupa Lana, the priests of Suraja. The Dhupa Lana also conduct services and the various important rites spanning from birth to death, and all in between.