Temple Worship- A Guide

Temple Worship- A Guide

Let me start with some definition of the word temple. In sanskrit, temple is called as मन्दिर (Mandira) The word mandira is derived from the words man which symbolises inner-self and dir which means a dwelling place. In several Hindu texts, the Lord is described as one's "inner-self". A Hindu temple can be a separate structure or part of a building. Most practising Hindus maintain an altar at their homes for daily worship and meditation.

This interpretation makes much more sense. I would like to add to this. The word mandira can be seen to originate from the words manas and dhiraya. The word manas means - imagination, intention, mind, spirit, mood, perception, intelligence, desire, thought. The verb dhiraya means - gets comfort, is encouraged. dhiraya in Sanskrit can be seen as the root of dira in Hindi . Hence, mandira means a place where the mind gets comfort, intelligence and imagination is encouraged.

In the Tamil language, the word ஆலயம் (Aalayam) is commonly used to refer to the abodes of God or rather temple. here the meaning is similar to Mandira, Aa signifies Aanma (soul). Layam means to calm down, satisfaction, fulfillment, or rather to become one with. One with what/whom? The answer is the God. So a soul that becomes one with the God experiences Satchithanandam or ever lasting happiness.

How is that visiting a particular place makes us experience fulfillment? A temple is a place, just like the school, the shopping mall,a house, etc. What is unique about a temple? The answer is the level of positive energy that is present in abundance and one who visits the temple, gets to receive the source of energy, the energy that we the souls are longing for. 

There are certain places we want to avoid visiting and there are certain places we really want to go again and again. For an example, when we visit a hospital, it is not always the best of experience. We normally would feel the discomfort and even when we get back home, we might feel exhausted. What do you expect in a place where patients resides, a place where family members feel sad and worried? Of course, this is not the case for doctors or other hospital staff as it is the place for them to carry out their duty, the soul builds the immunity towards it. Likewise, when we visit a temple, more often than not, we would feel happy, energetic and calm. 

Now, let us talk about some of the aspects of worshiping in a temple. My article here is catered for a typical Shivalayam. For the Vaishnavites, the deities and procedures might differ.

God is present everywhere, yet temple is the place to worship and express devotion. There are certain methods and procedures to worship in a temple. The below are obtained from the Aagamaas. For the benefit of Saivites and those who visit Shiva temples, below is the guideline.

One should always visit a temple only after bath and wearing clean clothes, with Thiruneeru (holy ash) applied on forehead. Those have obtained initiation should visit temple after performing daily rituals. More than the appearance, the mind should be pure and with thoughts of Shiva. One should never go a temple, having a negative thought or wrong intentions. One should enter a temple only after cleansing the legs and hands and footwear removed. The first is to sight the temple tower

(Gopuram) and perform Namaskaram. As we approach the Pali Peedam (sacrificial stone), once should prostrate with head facing east or north (depending on the direction the temple is facing. We should never prostrate with legs towards east and north. Also, stretching legs towards deities situated in the temple compound should be avoided. Hence, we should avoid prostrating in front of multiple deities if a temple has many temples dedicated to each deities.  It is considered a fulfillment if one prostrates after the Kodi Maram (Flag post).

For men, the head, 2 hands, 2 ears, mouth and legs should touch the ground. This is called Ashthanga (8 parts of the body) Namaskaram. For ladies, head, 2 hands, knees should touch the ground, and this is called Panchaga (5 parts of the body) Namaskaram.

As we circumambulate a temple, hands should be in Namaskaram form, either at chest level or head level while chanting the Panchaaksharam (Om Namasivaya). Walking should be at a slow pace and in a relaxed manner while you feel your breath. Mind should be fixed on one and only The One God and not anything else. It is mentioned that Lord Ganesha should be circumambulated once (1 round the Sannithi), 2 rounds for Lord Surya (Sun God), Ambal and Vishnu are circumambulated 4 rounds.

When we salute and pray to Lord Ganesha, we perform Thopukarnam.

First, you need to wrap your palms, knock on the sites of your forehead, 3 times, then hold your left ear lobe with your right fingers and right ear lobe with your left fingers. Bend your knees, squat and straighten your knees 3 times. There is no restriction on women performing Thopukarnam unless you are pregnant or due to other health reasons.

When Abhishegam (holy bath for deities), Neivedyam (offering of food to deities) is being performed in a temple, one should not circumambulate, prostrate or perform prayers. Likewise, when Arthi is performed, one should not prostrate.

As we walk into the temple, we first offer prayers to Nandikeshwarar, and Pali Peedam. As we walk pass the Pali Peedam, we should assume that here we sacrifice all our desires, sins and wrong doings. Only then one should enter the temple compound.

Once we enter a temple,

-          First, we pay obeisance to Lord Ganesha,

-          Followed by the main deity of temple in the Grabagraham,

-          Next to Ambal,

-          Followed by lord Muruga,

-          Then the remaining deities with separate Sannidhis

-          Followed by Navagraha

-          Then Bhairavar

-          Finally, Sandhigeshwarar

Mostly we find Navaragraha (9 planets) Sannidhi in a temple. If there is separate Sannidhi for Saniswaran, one can circumambulate 9 times. If Saniswaran is part of the remaining 8 planets, then one round of circumambulation around Navagraha is enough. Sesame oil lamps should be only offered to Saniswarar on Saturdays and not any other days.

Also all circumambulation should be done clockwise and never to be done anti-clock wise. It is utmost wrong to circumambulate anti-clock wise as that is only prescribed for death rites.

Shiva temples would normally have a Sandhigeshwarar Sannidhi. One should only clap and pray to Sandhigeshwarar during the last circumambulation and not during every circumambulation. This marks the completion of the temple prayers and we seek Sandhigeshwarar to bestow us the blessings for the day’s prayers.

One should not circumambulate Shadhigeshwarar as one should never walk in between Shandhigeshwarar and the Grabhagraham (main sanctum sanctorum). Likewise, we should never walk in between Nandikeshwarar (Bull) and the Grabagraham. Hence, we cannot circumambulate Nandikeshwarar. It is also wrong to speak into the ears of Nandikeshwarar. 

It is a privilege to obtain Thiruneeru from the temple Acharyar (priest). Thiruneeru should be received with utmost devotion, applied on the forehead as Tripundra (using 3 fingers- index finger, middle finger and ring finger). The remaining Thiruneeru should not be applied on other parts of the body or dropped on the floor. Rather it should be wrapped and brought back home for the benefit of others at home.

Temple prashadam (food served in the temple) is not meant to feed one’s hunger, rather it is to nourish the soul. Hence, only a tiny bit to be consumed and appreciated. Whatever that is served and ate more than that, it is merely to feed the hunger.

 After our circumambulations and prayers, we should spare some time to sit down and dwell in the thoughts of God. One can also use the time to meditate, chanting the holy names and or recite Thirumurai.

One should avoid entering the temple shabby dressed, avoid sitting on high chairs or stools within the temple compound, never stretch your legs while seated in a temple. Also, eating and drinking inside

the temple main compound should be avoided. Do not touch any deities placed in the Sannithis (small temples of deities). Also, it is important to avoid stepping on the shadows of the gopuram, Kodi maram, etc. Talking, joking, laughing, gossiping, cursing, etc, should be avoided at all times while in the temple.

While we circumambulate it is normal to sight the shadows of the Gopuram, Kodi Maram or forms of deities on the ground. We should avoid stepping on these shadows.

When you can’t avoid walking without stepping on the shadows, please apply the below rule:

-          In your mind, roughly divide the shadow into 5 portions,

-          avoid stepping 3 portions of the 5 portions at least.

-          It is allowable to step on the remaining 2 portions.

-          However, it is not wrong to step on the shadows, while there is a procession of the deity around the temple.

It is advisable to bring fruits, flowers along with betel nut and betel leaves when visiting a temple. These items should be placed on a tray and carried at chest level while entering the temple.

It is encouraged to serve in a temple, such as to sweep the compound, assist to wash prayer items,

watering the plants etc. This forms part of Sariyai Vazhiipaadu (rituals through serving). The wealthy might also contribute cash and prayer items. Some might also wish to perform Annadhanam (serve food for devotees). All these forms of services are encouraged. 

There are always dedicated places in a temple to place oil lamps, light camphor and break coconut, etc. To avoid dirtying the temple and to respect the public, one should only perform these activities in these dedicated spots.

A temple is considered the holiest of all palaces and the abode of the God. A temple is to be treated with the greatest sanctity and utmost respect. To feel the presence of divine, one should first appreciate and treat the place with respect and devotion.