BANGALORE: An individual who worships some form of God according to his religious tradition and belief and people gathering in one place to collectively offer obeisance to God for the fulfillment of their desires are intrinsic to Indian culture.
Kings and wealthy persons used to build temples, install idols and organise festivals for religious purpose so that people may serve God. He will bless his devotees in the form of an image. That is the reason why there is no town without a temple in India. Our ancestors discovered that a person can achieve happiness both here and hereafter by worshipping God.
Renovation and preservation of temples are rooted in our culture. These symbols of faith have made India known throughout the world as a nation with a distinct identity. Scriptures refer to two forms of worship — the conduct of religious rites (like yagna and yaga) which is external and observance of fasting and other rituals, which is internal. They fetch peace.
The performance of rituals and acts done for public good pleases God who will bless people with timely rains, adequate food and heavily joy. It is not possible to directly see God in this era. Therefore, idols are worshipped.
Devotees need objects for their meditation. God is omnipresent and omniscient even when He presents himself in idols. He fulfils their wishes when images are made, consecrated, installed and worshipped with devotion. Welfare of the people will not be ensured if idols, which do not conform to proper proportions and form, are installed. On the contrary, there will be general well-being if the idols and the shrines are according to those texts which prescribe their shape and dimensions.
Among the doubts entertained by skeptics about Hindu religious tradition, one relates to the significance of idols worshipped in homes and temples. Does God reside in them is their question? The categorical answer is “Yes” by those who believe in the power of the Almighty.
In earlier times, God presented himself physically before His devotees or made them experience His greatness indirectly. But in the present age, He answers the sincere prayer of man through images.
In this age, when problems, ignorance, falsehood and other evil forces abound, God alone can provide relief through the worship of idols. These images have been duly sanctified and are worshipped through qualified priests. Saints who had visited these shrines have sung hymns adoring the beauty of the idols which have been made strictly according to the scriptural texts on sculpture. Whereas in temples, the procedure should be adhered to the requirements.
In construction, installation as well as worship the scriptural guidelines should never be violated. The priests should also maintain discipline and purity; conduct the worship in accordance with the directives in the Agamas.
Thus, every temple has various artistic and functional features, known as styles, which are codified and described in the Agamas, Shilpa Shastras and the Puranas. Temples have been built only according to the guidelines therein and not in the names of kings. Temples are built based only on rules and not as per the whims and fancies of a person. All should realise that if men adhere to the Law of Righteousness, it will protect the entire world.
Sri Balagangadharanatha Swami,
Pontiff, Sri Adichunchanagiri Math