Non-denominational Chapel

Non-denominational Chapel at Massachusetts Institute of Technology dedicated in the year 1955 is designed by famous architect Eero Saarinen.  The chapel is constructed with rough bricks to give the wall a texture. It is in the shape of a cylinder, with a diameter of 50 feet and a height of 20 feet, surrounded by a shallow moat with water.  The interior has a full height metal sculpture, designed by Harry Bertoia.   It glitters from above down to a small unadorned marble altar.  The light that falls on the water with ripples travels upward through shallow slits in the walls and creates mesmerising effect on people inside.  The natural light is complemented by artificial light.

Leland M. Roth author of History of American architecture says “through the sheer manipulation of light and its focus on a blazingly white marble altar block, Saarinen created a place of mystic quiet”.

  The curving spire and bell tower is designed by sculptor Theodore Roszak in the year 1956.

The chapel set in two grooves of London Plane trees with a long wall to the east has uniform back ground.  Though it is situated in MIT Campus it stands isolated from the hustle and bustle of other buildings.

When I visited MIT and went on free MIT tour, this chapel was closed.  Our guide, a young grad student told about it and showed us this chapel.  She even told us that one of her friends got married in the chapel.

When religious terrorism is creating unrest in the world, I think we should have this type of worshipping places in all educational institutions.  It will help in understanding that true religion is to understand each other and live in peace, and to imbibe the essence of all religions, love and let live.

Prayer

I am confident that sincere prayers are always answered. If they are not answered may be that is not good for us. We, as kids ask our parents so many things. They always give us what we need and what is good for us but not everything. Similarly even Almighty gives us what we need and deserve and what is good for us. I do feel bad when certain things go wrong but reconcile thinking that in due course I will realize how it was good or at least not that bad for me.
I have the habit of visiting Bhadrakali temple in Warangal as and when possible or feel troubled by the situation I am in. I feel comfortable after a visit to this temple. Most of the time I pray for others, my family members or patients as if they are happy and healthy I will also be happy and peaceful. I do pray for myself when in trouble to get out of it. Most of the times I feel my burden of the problem is lessened.
For more than a year I was suffering from menstrual disturbance which I attributed to my age. Just a few days ago I felt that the problem is causing lot of disturbance and during that period I was somehow had to accompany my siblings who had come to my place to visit the temple. First time I simply wished in front of deity – Bhadrakali Devi, to get rid off my menstrual problem. Today is the 4th Thursday since I visited the temple and made a wish. I am very much grateful to ‘Devi Maa’ for helping me to get rid of the problem forever. Within a week of my visit to the temple my condition is diagnosed and I had undergone surgery successfully. Now I am up and about trying to take part in daily chores day after day in graded way.
Probably next month some day I will go to the temple and offer special worship.