Approaching the Temple

Approaching the Temple

Temple Manners

Major stipulations followed traditionally are as follows: One should go to temple after a bath, wearing washed clothes in traditional way,

Remove your shoes before entering. Be respectful of God and the Gods at all times, as if approaching the benevolent leader of a great realm. Bring your problems, wishes or your sorrows but leave improper manners outside as you enter this holy sanctuary. Do not enter the shrines without invitation. Do not sit with your feet pointing toward the Deities, the guru or another person. Hugging and other demonstrations of affection between adults are not appropriate. Refrain from gossip and worldly talk. Treat the priests with respect.

Look and Feel Your Best

Major stipulations followed traditionally are as follows: One should go to temple after a bath, wearing washed clothes in traditional way,

You will want to look and feel your best when you go to the temple, God’s home. Prepare yourself by bathing and putting on clean clothing. Traditional dress is best – saris or punjabis for ladies, long dresses for girls, and kurta shirt and dhoti or pants for men and boys. But any nice, modest clothing suitable for sitting on the floor is acceptable.

Prepare Mentally; Bring a Gift

Major stipulations followed traditionally are as follows: One should go to temple after a bath, wearing washed clothes in traditional way,

Prepare your mind by thinking about God in anticipation of your visit. Bring an offering, such as fruits and flowers. Prostrate and walk around the temple where possible. Hands pressed together in namaskara, greet the Deities at their shrines, starting with Ganesha, and present your offerings. Inwardly feel God’s uplifting presence, called sannidhya.

Prostrate to the Deity

Major stipulations followed traditionally are as follows: One should go to temple after a bath, wearing washed clothes in traditional way,

Prostrating is a traditional expression of worshipful surrender and adoration. The form of prostration differs for men and women. Men perform a fully prone pose, called ashtanga pranama, in which hands, chest, forehead, knees and feet touch the ground. Women perform a kneeling pose, panchanga pranama, in which hands, head and legs touch the ground.

Worship Wholeheartedly

Major stipulations followed traditionally are as follows: One should go to temple after a bath, wearing washed clothes in traditional way,

Ardent worship takes many forms in a temple. You can be immersed in the joys of devotion, in prayerful communion, seeking solace for a loss, singing hymns, chanting mantras or celebrating a rite of passage. Meditation is appropriate, especially after the puja, and emotion is not out of place. God will receive your devotion, however you offer it.

There are three worlds of existence: the gross plane where souls live in physical bodies; the subtle plane, where souls reside in astral bodies; and the causal, divine plane of God and the Gods.