Category: Special Articles

Why do we visit Temples?

India is a country which is known for its rich Hindu culture and tradition. To sing the glory of God, as a link between God and Man, as houses of worship, as structures for religious and spiritual activities, human throughout history have created a space for the divine. The temples are not just immensely architectural wonders, it’s a science.

Every single face of it – from the size of the idols to the directions and sanctum – Yes! The temple architecture is a highly developed science. They are the places of immense spiritual strength.

Location and Structure of a temple

The Energy Centers

A look into the ancient past and its temple reveals the fundamental science and purpose behind temple building. Far from being places of worship, temples were created as powerful places where an individual could imbibe the enshrined energies. Most temples were created to address a particular aspect of life and were thus consecrated to activate one or two particular chakras, the main energy centres of the human system.

Scientific analysis has today proven that these temples were built over areas of maximum positive energy. The Moolastanam (centre point) of the Garbhagriha was built at the spot where energy is maximum. The idol was placed and the Garbhagriha was built around it.

This point indicated the place of maximum positive energy. The main deity is often complemented by one or more minor deities carefully positioned along the path of approach to the main deity.

Looking at these structures it is apparent that the temples were built in a certain pattern, certain understanding and purpose, catering to the needs of the individual and the society.

The metal plate beneath the idol

In most of the temples, we find that the God statue is placed on a copper plate. These copper plates with Vedic inscriptions capable of absorbing and radiating energy, i.e. it absorbs the earth’s magnetic waves and radiating it to the surroundings. When a person visits a temple and walks around the parikrama in the clockwise direction, they come within the radius of this magnetic field thereby imbibing a lot of positive energy.

This is a very slow process and a regular visitor will eventually start feeling the positive vibes. The result is that the visit to the temple rejuvenates the body, mind and soul.

The logic behind idol worship

Deities work as your focal point. In silence, your thoughts have tremendous potential to become reality. This is why people say, “My prayers have come true”. Indeed, every prayer has the potential to come true provided you pray in deep awareness. If you would notice, in a temple, the chamber of God is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and provides light inside the sanctum to the priests.

The ringing of the bells and the chanting of the Mantras takes a devotee into a trance. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers and the burning of the camphor give out the chemical energy that creates a good aura.

The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and the utensils used while worshipping God. When people go to a temple for evening Aartis and when the doors open, the positive energy gushes out onto everyone present there.

Activation of Senses

The five senses of the human body are Hearing, Seeing, Touch, Taste and Smell. The positive energy in the temple is absorbed properly only if you ensure that all five senses are activated in your body while you are in the temple.

Ringing the temple bell – Hearing sense is activated.

A temple bell is another scientific phenomenon; it is not just ordinary metal. It is made of various metals including cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, manganese etc. The proportion at which each one of them mixed is the real science behind the bell. Each of these bells is made to produce such a distinct sound that it can create unity of your left and right brain.

The magic of temple bells

The moment you ring the bell, it produces a sharp but lasting sound that lasts for a minimum of seven seconds in echo mode good enough to touch your seven healing centers or chakras in your body. The moment the bell sounds your brain is emptied of all thoughts. Invariably you will enter a state of trans where you are very receptive.

Lighting Camphor – Seeing sense is activated

The inner core of the temple is usually dark where the idol is placed. You usually close your eyes to pray and when you open your eyes you should see the camphor which is lit to give Aarthi in front of the idol. This light seen inside the dark activates your sight senses. The other reason for lighting the camphor is for the idol to absorb the heat and vibrate within the chamber for a certain period.

Taking Aarthi – Touch sense is activated

When you take the Aarthi, you put your hands over the camphor flames and then touch the eyes, your touch sense gets activated. You will also feel relaxed when you touch the eyes with the mild heat that you absorb from the aarthi.

Offering flowers – Smell sense activated

Flower is good to see, spreads a good fragrance, very soft to touch, the nectar given by flower pleases the tongue, and this combination is perfect for using at the temple. Only specific flowers are used for offering to God like rose petals, jasmine, lillies etc. amongst them fragrance is more important.

The fragrance of the flower, Camphor and the incense sticks all together have a strong essence to keep your smell sense activated and pleasant giving calmness to the mind.

Teertham – Taste sense activated

“Teertham’’, the holy water used for theertham is sacred. The ingredients used in the theertham are Cardamom, “Karpura” (Benzoin), saffron, “Tulsi” (Holy Basil), Clove, etc.

Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal value. The theertham is stored in silver or copper vessel. Three spoons of this holy water are distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & ‘’Tulsi’’ leaf’s protects one from common cold and cough, and cardamom and ‘’Pachha Karpuram’’ (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners.

It is proved that ‘’Theertham’’ is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as ‘’prasadam’’ to the devotees. This is a source of positive energy and when we drink the holy Teertham our taste sense is activated.

Sipping water 3 times is to clean the body, clean the soul and for salvation.

• Teertham will be prepared in a vessel which is made with Copper or Silver or Brass.
• Temples related to Lord Vishnu, Tulasi Teertham (Water mixed with Holy Basil Leaves) will be given to devotees.
• Temples related to Lord Shankar, Maredu Teertham be given to devotees.
• Temples related to other deities, water mixed with Cardamom, Cloves, and edible camphor will be given as Teertham to devotees.
• Mostly all the temples will prepare Panchamrut (Made of Milk, Yoghurt, Honey, Sugar candy and Ghee in equal amounts) and will be given as Teertham in special occasions.

How to take Teertham?

• The right palm should be bent and should resemble a cow’s ear.
• The index finger should be bent to touch the thumb. g Left palm with a piece of cloth should be under the right palm for support.
• Teertham should be taken 3times.
• Before sipping you should take the right palm with Teertham near both eyes and sip in a sitting posture.

Interesting Facts

Ancient people used to drink water from Copper vessels as the metal can kill bacteria and viruses in water. Nowadays people are following ancient methods of keeping water overnight in a copper vessel and consuming it in the early morning.

Scientific Reasons

• Water stored in metals like copper, brass or silver will decrease the heat in the body and help the body absorb essential salts and nutrients. Copper is a vital nutrient for a body in the production of blood along with Iron.
• The holy basil leaves used in theertham act as a tonic that fights against fever, cold, cough, sore throat, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders, stress, mouth infections, insect bites, headaches, skin and tooth disorders. It also acts as a nerve tonic to sharpen the memory.
• The Beal Leaves in Teertham can cure many health problems such as Stomach ulcers, control diabetes and cholesterol levels, act as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, relieve constipation, and relieve diarrhoea and dysentery.
• The holy water mixed with Cardamom, Cloves, and edible camphor helps in digestion, detoxifies the body, controls cold, flu, cancer and blood pressure, acts as antiinflammatory, relieves tooth pains & respiratory infections, cures nervous disorders, and fights against epilepsy.
• Panchamrut mixture nourishes the body increases strength, it boosts physical stamina, intelligence, grasping power, creative abilities, improves skin color etc.

Blowing the Conch

The sound from the conch is associated with the sacred syllable ‘Om’ which is believed to be the first sound of creation. The Shankha or conch marks the beginning of any good work. The sound of the conch is believed to be the purest form of sound which ushers in freshness and new hope.

This gets more powerful with the positive energy radiated in the temples and hence has amazing impacts on the devotees.

Join hands in prayer during a puja

It is believed that joining both hands such that all the tips of the fingers are touching each other activates certain pressure points in the body releasing positive energy.

Pradakshina Around the Temple

We must do pradhakshina around the temple. The chanting of mantras, slokas creates the positive energies, these energies are absorbed by the floor around the temple. When you do the Pradhakshina (circumambulation)at this point of time, you tend to absorb all the positive vibrations. When we think positively/ make a wish and pray the positive thoughts mingle with the positive vibrations and our wishes get fulfilled.

Applying Tilak/Kumkum

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in the human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘Kumkum’ between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration.

While applying Kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Agnyachakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the facial muscles.

Cleanliness

It has been our idea since the beginning that,” Cleanliness is Godliness.” and one must have to be clean before entering to a sacred place.Surely one cannot claim that while performing his daily job he is perfectly clean; be it winter or summer. As per our (Indian) ancient rituals bathing is very important thing and comes first before doing everything as like eating breakfast and going office etc.

But bathing in our regular routine is having very good effects on our own body as after bathing you feel fresh,it makes your body clean and healthy. Below are a few reasons why we must bath and clean ourselves physically before going to temple.The temple is a very sacred place filled with full of spiritual energies and positive vibrations.

When our body is clean and pure, the pores open and are ready to absorb the energies. A clean and fresh body can feel the spiritual energy in the temple. We can feel the spiritual power, the cosmic energy, and the presence of supreme power when we worship the almighty with devoted heart, mind and soul.

No footwear inside the temple

Temples are places that contain pure vibrations of magnetic and electric fields with positive energy. In the olden days, the temples were built in such a way that the floor at the center of the temple was a good conductor of positive vibrations allowing them to pass through our feet to the body.

Hence it is necessary to walk barefoot while you enter the temple. Another reason is shoes and slippers are used everywhere hence they tend to get all the impurities like dirt, germs etc. which will spoil the pure environment of the temple and is a source of negative energy.

The dress code inside the temple

Nowadays the people are more attracted towards the western culture and habits. People roam around wearing Western dresses. However, the Dress code is very important while we visit sacred places. When we go to the temple, the mind must be calm and free from bad thoughts or negative feelings. So, we must wear traditional dress while we visit the temple.

The mind should be in control with good thoughts, focusing only on the spiritual power, so we attain the real fruit of visiting the temple. Men must wear a dhoti and upper vastram or shirt. Women should wear traditional dress like saree, half saree, Punjabi dress with dupatta.

In some temples, it is a practice that, men should enter the temple without a shirt, so the body absorbs all the positive energies. Women usually wear more jewels while visiting the temples. The jewels absorb maximum positive energies in the temple.

Dress code to be followed while visiting Tirumala Temple

Women should tie their hair before going to the temple

When we go to the temple, the mind must be calm and free from bad thoughts or negative feelings. Because the purpose of prayer is to get closer to God, when we go to the temple, we must be clean, dress properly and be of pure intentions. Women should tie up their hair up before entering a temple because loose hair is associated with chaotic mystical energies.

There is the story of the oath of Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Draupadi has been assaulted and shamed by the wicked Dushyasana and dragged by her hair. She swears that she will not comb and tie up her hair until it is washed with the blood of Dushyasana. Thus, untied hair is associated with anger or resentment, an unruly mental state not appropriate for entering a holy site.

There is another explanation for tying the hair, meaning to “control the mind”. The human mind is expected to control the senses. All things result from thought. Thus, controlling the mind is essential when going to a holy place.

One more reason why women should tie their hair. Most of the time as we take a bath and visit the temple, the hair will be wet. When the wet hair is not tied at the ends, the water droplets will fall onto the floor in the temple.

When someone stamps the water dripped off from the hair this will lead to doshas. Also, nowadays most women have hair fall problems. The strands of the hair should not fall on the floor, as they are associated with chaotic mystical energies. So the hair must be knotted at the ends while visiting the temple.

Actions to be performed while visiting Temple

Most of us go to the temple in order to take darshan (viewing) of a Deity. Did you know that we can derive maximum benefit from the darshan if we were to take note of some actions which should be performed as prescribed by Hindu Dharma while visiting a Temple? There is a science underlying most of these actions. These actions that should be performed while visiting a Temple are listed in the article below.

Before leaving for a Temple

‘O ____ (Name of the Deity), only due to the inspiration provided by you, I am able to come for your darshan. Let me have your darshan with bhava (Spiritual emotion).’

Gratitude to be expressed after reaching the temple

‘O ____ (Name of the Deity), you only have given me the opportunity to have your darshan; hence, I express gratitude at your Holy feet.’

Actions required to be performed before entering a temple

• Leather objects worn should be removed and kept aside.
• Footwear like shoes and sandals should not be worn inside the temple premises. If footwear is to be removed inside the premises or outside the temple, then it should be removed to the right side of the Deity.
• – If there is a facility in the temple, feet should be washed before entering the main temple premises.
• Do not cover your neck with a cloth.
• If there is a custom of removing the upper body garment (like a shirt) for males before entering a temple, then it should be followed. (This may not appear practical, yet the custom is followed to retain the sattvikta of the temple).
• Pay obeisance to the main entrance door and Dwajastambam (Sentinel flag) of the temple.
• – While entering the temple pray that – ‘O ____ (Name of the Deity), let my mind not wander, let it concentrate on chanting. Through your grace, let me be able to absorb maximum of the sattvikta present here.’
• ‘O ____ (Name of the Deity), it is because of your grace that I am entering the temple. Let me be blessed with your darshan. Let there be an improvement in my chanting. Let me be able to avail of the sattvikta present there.’

Once inside the temple premises, have a darshan of the kalash (Dome of a temple) of the temple and pay obeisance to it.

While standing in a queue, avoid chatting with the people around. If the temple is crowded, form a queue. While proceeding for darshan keep chanting. This will help imbibe sattvikta to a greater extent.

Proceeding towards the mandapam (Hall in a temple)

• While proceeding towards the mandapam (Hall), hold the hands in Namaskar-mudra (Both hands joined away from the body).
• While stepping inside the sabha mandapa pray thus ‘O Deity, let me benefit from the Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) being emitted by your Idol to the utmost’.
• At that time, the bhava should be as if we are going to visit our revered Deity and that Deity is looking at us.

Entering the Temple

Climbing the steps of a temple

While climbing the steps of a temple, touch the steps with the fingers of the right hand and then touch that hand to the centre part of the head. So that the spiritual energy in the midhead will be activated with spiritual power.

Proceeding from the mandapam towards the garbhagruha (Sanctum Sanctorum of a temple)

Walk along the left side of the mandapam towards the garbhagruha (Sanctum Sanctorum).

If you have to stand in a queue for the darshan, then instead of chatting with the people around, concentrate on chanting the Lord’s naamaas.

Actions to be performed before having darshan of the Deity

As far as possible, avoid ringing the bell. If you wish to ring it, do so in a very low tone.

Entering a garbhagruha is mostly prohibited. However, in some temples, it is permitted. At such times, before entering the garbhagruha we should do Namaskar to Sri Ganapati.

Actions to be performed while having darshan of the Deity’s Idol

In the first stage, focus your attention at the feet of the Idol and with the emotion of complete surrender, pray for the dissolution of the ego. In the second stage, concentrate at the chest level of the Idol, and pray intensely. In the third and the last stage, concentrate on the eyes of the Deity and store the Deity’s image in your eyes.

Pay obeisance to the Deity with an emotion of complete surrender at the Deity’s feet.

Actions to be performed after having darshan of the Deity

Once again turn towards deity and have darshan of the main Deity and exit from the main door.

Performing pradakshina (Circumambulation) of the Deity

• Commence the pradakshina (Circumambulation) after standing on the left side outside the garbhagruha. (On completion of the pradakshina, stand on the right side and have darshan).
• Before starting the pradakshina, pray to the Deity thus – ‘O ____ (Name of the Deity), as I perform the pradakshina by your grace, with every step let all the sins of my past births burn away and let me be able to imbibe more and more of the Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) emitting from you.’
• Perform pradakshina at a medium pace with the hands joined together in a Namaskar mudra and chant the Deity’s Name.
• Do not touch the outer side of garbhagruha while performing pradakshina. – After each pradakshina, pay obeisance to the Deity and only then commence the next pradakshina.
• After completion of pradakshinas, pay obeisance to the Deity with a bhav (Spiritual emotion) of complete surrender, followed by a prayer.

Offering coins, coconut etc. to the Deity

The coins for the Deities should be offered at their Holy feet and not thrown at their body. If the Deity’s Idol is not approachable, then place it with you only and put your offerings in the Hundi.

Accepting Tirth

After completing the pradakshina, take the Tirth with the right hand and touch the same hand to the eyes.

Accepting Prasad

• Accept the Prasad with the right hand only.
• Bow humbly to accept the Prasad. (If the space is insufficient, bow a little).
• Think of the Deity while looking at the Prasad.
• After accepting the Prasad, straighten up slowly and not in a hurry. This will retain the sattvikta generated while accepting the Prasad for a longer period.
• Sit inside the temple and chant for some time and then, as far as possible, take the Prasad in the temple.
• After taking the Prasad, stand and mentally do Namaskar to the Deity. – If you wish to carry home the Prasad, do so after wrapping it in a clean cloth.

 

 

The hagiography of great people who transformed society and dictated new directions is always hazy. Several stories were built upon their lives as per their understanding of the meaning of the avatar of such personalities. The stories surrounding the birth of Lord Hanuman were not an exception. However, it had been pronounced in all the texts that Anjani and Kesari were parents of Lord Hanuman.

STORY OF ANJANI

One apsara named, Punjikastala because of the immense powers she possessed, was wandering in the skies. When she was roaming there, she saw a monkey in deep meditation. Since the monkey was sitting cross-legged, it looked funny to her. She made a mockery of him. Despite her mischievous deeds, the monkey could not be disturbed of his meditation.

She threw stones and fruits at him and suddenly the monkey came out of meditation and noticed the mischievous deeds of Punjikastala throwing stones at him. He cursed her to change her personality as a monkey as she was making fun of him.

When she prayed at her feet, the monkey blessed her that the curse would end as soon as she gave birth to a son who would be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. As per his advice, she made a small Shiva Linga and prayed the Lord.

Afterwards wandering in the forest in the form of a monkey she came to a place where she saw some saints. When they enquired about her whereabouts, she said her name was ‘Anjani’. While talking to her, the saints exclaimed how she could cross the forest without fear which was occupied by one demon called, Sambasadan.

They further told that the demon would be invading their ashram that day and they were very fearful of fighting him out. She said that she would demolish him. When she was preparing herself with bows and arrows to fight, she found a man beside her to fight with the demon. He was ‘Kesari’, a monkey King of the forest. Both killed the demon.

Kesari then married Anjani. They meditated for the blessings of Lord Shiva. Hanuma was born to them with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Lord Hanuma on his birth relieved his mother of her vanararoopam (monkey personality). Thus lord Hanuma derived the names Kesarinandana (son of Kesari) and Anjaniputra (son of Anjani).

BIRTH OF HANUMA

There are several stories surrounding the birth of Hanuma. Hanuma is called Vayuputra (son of the Wind god). Bhavartha Ramayana gives an explanation. When Anjani was meditating about Lord Shiva, Dasaratha was performing putrakamestiyagna (yagna with a desire for child) at the same time in Ayodhya.

Blessed with his yagna, he received payasam (made of milk and rice). A kite snatched a part of payasam when being delivered to Dasaratha and dropped in where Anjani was meditating for Lord Shiva. Vayu carried the falling payasam and placed it in the hands of Anjani.

She gave birth to a child and named him as ‘Hanuma’. Hanuman Chalisa thus narrates Lord Hanuma as, “Anjaniputra pavanasuthanama”, “Sankara Suvana Kesari Nandana”.

MOTHERLY LOVE

Hanuma was very mischievous and had huge appetite. Anjani used to get up early in the morning and fetched him fruits to mitigate his hunger because she knows that he cannot wait longer for food. One day she was late in returning home. Hanuma got up and searched for food. When he could not get anything, he noticed Sun in the form of a round fruit on the east side. He flew to the skies and tried to catch hold of him.

Rahu was always in the look out to swallow Sun, but he found an opponent. He tried to overcome Hanuma. He drove away Rahu. Rahu having failed in his effort to grab, went to Indra and complained that small monkey snatched the Sun from him. Both came to the place and found Hanuma holding the Sun in his hand and was ready to eat as he felt it was red melon. Indra hurled Vajrayudha and it hit Hanuma at the chin.

Hanuma felt on the ground. Mother Anjani was agitated because of her love to him. Both Indra and Vayu appeared by them and blessed Hanuma with immense powers.

SENDING HANUMA TO LORD SUN

Having known the powers of his son, speed, mischief and knowledge, she sent him to Lord Sun to learn holy scriptures from him.

TEMPLES OF ANJANI MAATHA

Anjanimaatha was said to have done penance and gave birth to Hanuma in a place called AnjaniParvat, a village near Ahwa in Dang District. Earlier this place was part of Dandakaranya. Anjanimaatha is worshipped as a family deity in Himachal Pradesh and Salsar, Rajasthan.

There are two temples at both these places dedicated to her. The story behind the temple in Himachal Pradesh says that once mother (Anjani) visited this place and stayed there for a long time. One villager saw her, but mother told him not to reveal her identity to anyone.

But he informed all the villagers. Angered by his actions, his mother left the place but before leaving she made the village into a big stone. Scorpion is her vehicle (Vahanam). Thus any villager bitten by a scorpion in that area will visit the mother for a cure.

There is another temple of the mother in Haridwar. Anjani was a blessed mother as she had given to this universe a valiant, faithful and resonant son, Hanuma. In a mother’s love nothing matters, whether her child is beautiful or ugly, intelligent or laggard. She is the most accomplished creation of God on earth and she is the first teacher to the child.

Thus Manu Smirti says, “From the point of view of reverence due, a teacher is tenfold superior to a mere lecturer, a father a hundred to a teacher and mother a thousandfold to a father”.