We are to observe certain procedures while worship the deity/s of the temple. First thing is to take bath. If bath is already taken, then wash the feet, face and hands and sprinkle a little water on the body. Every temple will be having a tank/pond near to it. However, if one is entering after praying at another nearby temple, this procedure need not be followed.
Why remove upper clothing of men inside temples?
Gents should remove shirts for better benefits. In some places mainly in all temples of Kerala this procedure is compulsory. There may be a doubt as to why men should remove shirt while ladies have no such restriction. It is mainly because of the fact that the positive energy from the sanctum sanctorum travels in the shape of lightning or like snake. This energy enters through the face and neck of the women who may wear gold ornaments which easily absorb and transmit the energy to the wearer. As far as the men are concerned the energy passes through the heart area. Inside the temple, first pray at the flag post. While standing in front of the sanctum men should stand at the left side of the sanctum and women at the right side of sanctum. Standing should be slightly sideways. If there are already devotees standing we should stand behind them. It is the belief that if we try to overtake those who are in front of us we not only do not get the positive energy but will attract negative energy and effect of the darsan. No one should stand directly in front of the entrance and not to cross the nada (entrance) of the sanctum. All devotees should take care to see that no hair, nail piece, blood or balance of 'prasad' falls from us.
Look at the deity and pray or make the request to the god then slowly close your eyes and concentrate the image of the deity in the mind. It is a belief if one experience warmth or see a flower from the deity falling are expected to be good. The 'theertha' and 'prasad' should be taken only after our praying to the deity. In addition to depositing our offerings in hundi, dakshina (offering) to the priest is OK.
Namaskars - Prostrations
After the worship in the temple, come back to the flag post (Dwaja Stamb) or Bali Peetam (stones for offering sacrificial food) and do the prostation to the deity on the side. Now in many temples the place for prostation is marked. Wherever the marking is there do the prostation at that place only. Where it is not marked, do the prostation on the left side of the flag post or bali peetam by men and on the right by women. Men can do the full body prostation (like lying on stomach with hands in the namasthe posture above head. Ladies are not supposed to do the full body prostation.
Aalms - Danas - Donations
Whenever possible offer Anna Dana (supply of free food). At least try to make it once a year. Every religion believes that 'Anna Dana is maha Dana' (food distributions is the greatest gift one can think of). If we want to give alms to the beggars, first give the alms to them and then enter the temple to pray.
Excepting worship or chanting stotras, or songs praising the deity no talk or gossip are to be done inside.
While offering 'neivedya' (food offerings) to the deity we are not to pray or worship. This is just like somebody disturbing us while taking food.
When attending discourses we should not stand up or disturb those who are behind us by obstructing their vision or diverting their attentions. If they are disturbed it will invite the unpleasantness of the deity or god.
Why remove upper clothing of men inside temples?
Gents should remove shirts for better benefits. In some places mainly in all temples of Kerala this procedure is compulsory. There may be a doubt as to why men should remove shirt while ladies have no such restriction. It is mainly because of the fact that the positive energy from the sanctum sanctorum travels in the shape of lightning or like snake. This energy enters through the face and neck of the women who may wear gold ornaments which easily absorb and transmit the energy to the wearer. As far as the men are concerned the energy passes through the heart area. Inside the temple, first pray at the flag post. While standing in front of the sanctum men should stand at the left side of the sanctum and women at the right side of sanctum. Standing should be slightly sideways. If there are already devotees standing we should stand behind them. It is the belief that if we try to overtake those who are in front of us we not only do not get the positive energy but will attract negative energy and effect of the darsan. No one should stand directly in front of the entrance and not to cross the nada (entrance) of the sanctum. All devotees should take care to see that no hair, nail piece, blood or balance of 'prasad' falls from us.
Praying or requesting favor
Look at the deity and pray or make the request to the god then slowly close your eyes and concentrate the image of the deity in the mind. It is a belief if one experience warmth or see a flower from the deity falling are expected to be good. The 'theertha' and 'prasad' should be taken only after our praying to the deity. In addition to depositing our offerings in hundi, dakshina (offering) to the priest is OK.
Namaskars - Prostrations
After the worship in the temple, come back to the flag post (Dwaja Stamb) or Bali Peetam (stones for offering sacrificial food) and do the prostation to the deity on the side. Now in many temples the place for prostation is marked. Wherever the marking is there do the prostation at that place only. Where it is not marked, do the prostation on the left side of the flag post or bali peetam by men and on the right by women. Men can do the full body prostation (like lying on stomach with hands in the namasthe posture above head. Ladies are not supposed to do the full body prostation.
Aalms - Danas - Donations
Whenever possible offer Anna Dana (supply of free food). At least try to make it once a year. Every religion believes that 'Anna Dana is maha Dana' (food distributions is the greatest gift one can think of). If we want to give alms to the beggars, first give the alms to them and then enter the temple to pray.
Excepting worship or chanting stotras, or songs praising the deity no talk or gossip are to be done inside.
While offering 'neivedya' (food offerings) to the deity we are not to pray or worship. This is just like somebody disturbing us while taking food.
When attending discourses we should not stand up or disturb those who are behind us by obstructing their vision or diverting their attentions. If they are disturbed it will invite the unpleasantness of the deity or god.
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