what is the concept of Temple according to Narayana Guru
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According to Narayan Guru
Temples are the heart of Hindu religious life and its social manifestation. The temple acts as a medium through which devotees approach godhead. Temples bring devotees closer to divine. The idols at temples are concrete expressions of godhead, which cannot be otherwise comprehended or grasped directly as we do the world around us. When we worship at temple, we temporarily step out of the worldly life and try to have the glimpse of transcendental reality. The deity which is the object of devotion and worship, guide the devotees in their pious endeavor.
The atmosphere at temple is totally different from the world outside. Devotion and longing for god permeates the atmosphere at a temple. Rituals and worship at a temple inspire human mind and help it turns towards god. Devotees do not go to a temple without preparation. The concept of cleanliness and purity of mind and body are of primary importance. Devotee’s bath and wear clean clothes. They repeat the holy name of god and think of the deity as they get ready. They carry flowers and fruits and other offerings according to their means to the temple. Most of these offerings are clean, colorful, fragrant and highly pleasing to mind.
Thus there is a physical and psychological preparation for visiting temple.
Sree Narayana Guru expressed the needs of temple thus: “Temple must be kept scrupulously clean. Enter a temple only after taking bath. Speak of good things. Remember God. Breathe fresh air. Some go to the temple and purify mind and body through fasting and such. Some shed desire through faith. Some earn the blessing of God. All that depends on faith. All this is good. So temple is also necessary. “
Temples are the heart of Hindu religious life and its social manifestation. The temple acts as a medium through which devotees approach godhead. Temples bring devotees closer to divine. The idols at temples are concrete expressions of godhead, which cannot be otherwise comprehended or grasped directly as we do the world around us. When we worship at temple, we temporarily step out of the worldly life and try to have the glimpse of transcendental reality. The deity which is the object of devotion and worship, guide the devotees in their pious endeavor.
The atmosphere at temple is totally different from the world outside. Devotion and longing for god permeates the atmosphere at a temple. Rituals and worship at a temple inspire human mind and help it turns towards god. Devotees do not go to a temple without preparation. The concept of cleanliness and purity of mind and body are of primary importance. Devotee’s bath and wear clean clothes. They repeat the holy name of god and think of the deity as they get ready. They carry flowers and fruits and other offerings according to their means to the temple. Most of these offerings are clean, colorful, fragrant and highly pleasing to mind.
Thus there is a physical and psychological preparation for visiting temple.
Sree Narayana Guru expressed the needs of temple thus: “Temple must be kept scrupulously clean. Enter a temple only after taking bath. Speak of good things. Remember God. Breathe fresh air. Some go to the temple and purify mind and body through fasting and such. Some shed desire through faith. Some earn the blessing of God. All that depends on faith. All this is good. So temple is also necessary. “
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