Temple Worship: Superstition or True Secret? - A Spiritual Explanation!

Chennai: Are the temple worship practices we have cherished and followed for generations merely a collection of rituals? Or are deep scientific and spiritual truths hidden beneath their foundation? What is the reason behind worshipping the flagstaff (Kodimaram)? Is it proper to touch the sacrificial altar (Balipitam)? What is the inner philosophy of sacred ash (Thiruneeru), vermillion (Kumkum), and sacred soil (Thiruman)? What divine images or idols can be kept in our home puja room? Is it correct to light a lemon lamp? What is the way to protect oneself from the negative energy called evil eye (Kan Drishti)? For these and many other spiritual doubts, actress Revathy Sankaran has provided clear explanations through her spiritual discourse on the Aanmeegaglitz YouTube channel.

Temple Worship - Hidden Wonderful Secrets:

• Flagstaff (Kodimaram): It is considered a symbol of the six energy centers (Adhara Chakras) located along our spine. The bell proudly displayed at its peak signifies the Sahasrara chakra, where the soul merges with the divine. Worshipping the flagstaff with a melting heart is a sacred symbol that helps awaken our Kundalini energy and aids in the journey of realizing the divine.

• Sacrificial Altar (Balipitam): This belongs to the divine attendants (Deva Ganas). Touching it is contrary to the Agama rules. It is a sacred place where offerings are made to the deities.

• Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbagriham/Karvarai): The sanctum sanctorum is like the womb of a mother carrying a fetus. It is a place filled with vibrations where the deity resides without external air or light. The abundant divine energy emanating from the main deity's idol through ablutions (Abhishekams) is accumulated within the sanctum sanctorum and is offered as Prasad to the devotees during offerings (Nivedanam) and the great lamp ceremony (Maha Deeparadhanai).

• Temple Bell Sound, Conch Sound, Drum Sound: The sounds emanating from the temples create vibrations that fill our body and mind with positive energy and are powerful tools that help in concentrating the mind. One should not go to the temple merely to gossip or eat Prasad.

Sacred Ash, Sacred Soil, Vermillion - Lessons of Life's Philosophy:

• Sacred Ash (Thiruneeru/Vibhuti): A reality that reminds us that the human body will one day be burnt by fire and turn into ash. It is a sacred substance that teaches the philosophy of the impermanence of life and the need to cultivate thoughts of the divine within that limited time.

• Sacred Soil (Thiruman): A symbol that points out that eventually, we will merge with the earth in six feet of land, signifying the philosophy of worshipping the divine and doing good deeds within that time.

• Vermillion (Kumkum): It is a symbol of auspiciousness. Applying it on the forehead stimulates our Ajna chakra, bringing clarity and focus to our thoughts.

Superstitions and Spiritual Truths:

• Whispering Secrets in Nandi Bhagavan's Ear: Nandi Devar is in a state of deep meditation with Parameswaran. It is not the correct method to tell him our worldly troubles. The rule is that we must experience and resolve the results of our own Karma.

• Taking Threads from Chandikeswarar's Sannidhi: This is an entirely incorrect practice. Progress and new opportunities in life are attained only through our own effort.

• Lemon Lamp: This is not scientifically acceptable. The proper method is to light a lamp in an earthen or metal lamp (Agal Vilakku) with pure oil or ghee, according to the Agama rules, in the designated place. The moisture in the lemon, when combined with oil, has a tendency to burst.

• Worshipping Shani Bhagavan Standing Directly in Front: It is a belief that one should not stand directly in the line of Shani's gaze. However, if Shani's aspect is present in one's horoscope, it cannot be avoided. (This opinion is based on astrological belief).

• Taking Vibhuti from the temple, applying it on the stomach, and dusting it off: This is an act performed to show Nandi Devar that one is not taking anything other than the grace of the divine. It is a symbol indicating that one is not even taking the Vibhuti.

Evil Eye (Kan Drishti) - Superstition or Reality?

Practices like applying kohl to children's eyes, tying black threads, and placing a 'drishti pottu' (spot) are widely followed with the belief that they prevent the evil eye. However, these are all external actions that merely divert our attention. There is a belief that when a child is very beautiful, the thoughts (positive or negative) of those who see it can have some impact. The bursting sound when salt, chili, and mustard seeds are circled and put in fire is a natural scientific phenomenon. It does not indicate the presence of the evil eye. While there is a belief that the negative thoughts of those who look with envy can cause some harm, one should not give excessive importance to this and drown one's life in superstitions. One must understand scientific truths and the deep philosophies of spirituality and live with clarity.

Home Temple - Method of Keeping Divine Images/Idols:

Keeping images or idols of deities who are with their families in our home puja room fosters family unity. (For example, Ganesha with Siddhi and Buddhi, Mahavishnu with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati on his lap). It is advisable to avoid idols larger than six inches. Images or idols of fierce deities (like Kolkata Kali, figures with dripping blood) should be avoided in homes. An image of Lord Nataraja can be kept; he represents the center of the cosmic dance. An image of Krishna with a flute, Lord Murugan with Valli and Deivanai (representing the three powers: Ichcha Shakti, Kriya Shakti, and Gnana Shakti), and an idol of Ardhanarishwara (representing equality) are special to keep at home. Do not fill the puja room with all images just because someone gifted them. It is best to keep the images of deities traditionally worshipped in your family and your Kuladeivam. Avoid framing and keeping calendar pictures from shops; traditional images are filled with divine presence. Images of deities seated indicate the quality of the divine residing in the home; standing images indicate the quality of being able to leave at any time (Lord Murugan is an exception to this).

Inner Purity and Unwavering Faith:

When going to the temple, it is essential to wash hands and feet and go with a pure mind. One should apply sacred ash. Offerings like Kumkum and Vibhuti should be disposed of periodically; they should not be accumulated at home. The unwavering belief that your home deity and Kuladeivam will protect and bless you is very important. Even if you do not keep any divine images, it is fine; see the divine as light within your own mind. Instead of keeping many images or idols, sincerely worshipping specific deities with deep faith is far superior.

Through these explanations, one can clearly understand the true secrets behind temple worship, avoid superstitions, and learn the ways to live a knowledgeable and meaningful spiritual life.