Guest guest Posted June 12, 2005 Report Share Posted June 12, 2005 The Temple and the DevoteeWhen we want to meet our superiors or persons highlyplaced in life, we observe certain etiquette, normsand decorum. Therefore it is but natural that thedevoted who wants to visit the Lord of the universe ina Temple, is expected to observe a certain code ofconduct. Taking bath, wearing freshly washed clothesis a must. If and when possible in the Puskariniattached to the temple, he should observe silence andtry to withdraw the mind into the thoughts of God.After having the darshan of the deity and getting hisindividual worship he any, performed, he shouldcircumambulate the main shrine three, five or seventimes. Then he should any down to the deity from aplace outside the dhavajastambha, taking care to seethat his feet do not point in the direction of any ofthe minor deities. Visiting the shrines of the minordeities is his next duty. Before leaving the precinctsof the temple, he should sit quietlyin some corner andmediate. Since distribution of alms to deservingbeggars in the vicinity of the temple is consideredmeritorious, the devotees are advised to do so.Apart from there general rules to be observed by thedevotee, he should be aware of the daivapacaras, modesof behaviour which will offend the deity in thetemple. This is very important because when a templeis built and the image is consecrated ceremonially,the power of the deity will manifest itself throughthat image. This is technically called arcavatara. The following are some of the modes of behaviour whichwill offend the deity in the temple, and bring miseryand suffering upon the transgressor: not observing therules concerning personal, environmental andceremonial cleanliness, missing the importantfestivals of the temple, not making obeisance orcircumambulation, carelessly trebling the thingsoffered to the deity, not offering the best line ofthings even though one can before to do so, have nofaith or devotion, engaging in surely secular andnon-religious activities in the presence of the deity,boisterious behaviour, observing caste restrictions,misusing the things belonging to the temple and so soon.Taken from:All About Hindu Temples, Swami Harshananda Discover Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing more. Check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.