Anuradha Goyal: As you realize I write loads about temples. I really like to go to the temples. So, at present I believed I’ll invite a visitor who’s an skilled at deciphering temples. At introducing us to the points of temples that we often are likely to miss. We have now Shri Ramakrishna Kongalla with us. He’s by occupation an academician within the tourism area. However should you comply with his Twitter, Instagram deal with, you’d see how intimately he is aware of the temples. How nicely he acts as a bridge between the world of students who examine Indian Temples and the layperson who truly visits them to wish. So Ramakrishna Ji welcome to Detours.
Ramakrishna Kongalla: Namaste, thanks loads for the introduction.
Detours video on youtube: How To Go to Indian Temples? with Ramakrishna Kongalla
Pay attention/watch the audio/video on the IndiTales Youtube channel for the dialog on the subject or learn beneath.
Ramakrishna Kongalla on Go to Temples
Anuradha: So, Ramakrishna Ji, let’s begin speaking a few subject each of us are obsessed with, temples. Right this moment, let’s discuss go to a temple? Most of us, we go there, we stand in entrance of the deity for just a few seconds or a couple of minutes and we come out. That’s visiting the temple. Typically we stand and admire the structure of historic temples. However stroll us by, how we must always go to a temple? Which is a very powerful factor within the temple that we should spend a while at?
Ramakrishna: Sure, Mam together with your permission earlier than beginning this dialogue there may be this very stunning Shloka from Jabala Upanishad. This is essential on this dialogue. After I learn it out you’ll perceive why it’s so vital. It goes as so:
It says like Yogis and Sadhus, they’ve Shiva of their coronary heart. So that they needn’t go to go to a Murti within the temple. Whereas we regular individuals, we’re ignorant. We’re full of Agnana. It’s for regular individuals like us with Agnana who is meant to go to a temple and go to a Murti. So, this idea very clearly is defined already in Hinduism. Saying like that as a result of once more this idea comes from the west, idol worship, and Murti worship. Then writing damaging issues about it. However it’s already stated within the literature of Sanatana Dharma itself. Saying that the sadhus and yogis, they don’t must go.
Agnana
So, we now have to grasp the essential incontrovertible fact that we’re ignorant individuals. We have no idea a lot and with a number of curiosity to grasp the issues we now have to go to the temple. Very clearly, acknowledged in our personal Jabala Upanishad. The fundamental issues that we now have to give attention to once we go to a temple are one is the Garbhagriha and subsequent to the Mandapa.
Garbhagriha
Whenever you enter the temple, the Garbhagriha the place the Mula Murti is or the Moola Nayaka or the chief deity is current is a closed chamber. It comprises a number of power. {That a} idea of power in Garbhagriha itself is once more a unique subject. So, if you find yourself visiting a temple earlier than either side of the Garbhagriha or the Dwara of Garbhagriha, we now have noticed the individuals standing in a line. As a result of the power that’s radiated within the Garbhagriha may be absorbed by us.
So, usually, as a result of we aren’t conscious of this power that’s being radiated from the Murti and the Garbhagriha we don’t as a result of perhaps we predict it’s trend or as a result of we don’t need to stand together with many individuals there close to Garbhagriha we are likely to neglect that facet.
Mandapa
Standing close to Garbhagriha and having darshan of the chief deity or Mula Murti, we now have to spend a while sitting within the Mandapa that’s simply there earlier than the Garbhagriha. You must spend some 5-10 minutes sitting within the Mandapa. Usually, it has turn into a trend that they contact the ground of the Mandapa with the hand they usually come out. So, if you find yourself doing so not taking note of the Garbhagriha or sitting within the Mandapa you aren’t fulfilling that facet of visiting the temple, the motto of visiting the temple.
So why do you have to sit in that Mandapa? As a result of with a number of Vedic Mantras, with a number of Archana, Aarti, and all these ritualistic points the place itself has acquired a psychological aura in it which may carry some optimistic power and optimistic feeling in us.
For instance, the incense sticks that we gentle within the house itself is an excellent instance of how optimistic power that brings in us. So you need to spend at the least five-ten minutes sitting within the underpass so that you’ve that lot of positivity and in addition observe the power that’s there within the Garbhagriha and Mandapa. These are the 2 points we now have to focus loads on.
Bell
You can too hearken to this dialog as a Podcast
Anuradha: I additionally assume that once we go and pray there or chant there, we additionally add to that power.
Ramakrishna: Sure precisely this additionally. One other vital facet is as quickly as we get into the temple, we should stand beneath the bell of the temple. The general public they neglect. The bell that’s there within the temple, Ghanta is made from Panchadhatu Loha. When this Panchadhatu’s are used it’s got a particular vibration that may affect the Kundalini in our physique. So, everytime you stand precisely beneath the bell and also you ring it there may be a variety of rings that we now have to provide there are 8, 16, 30 to 64. However then we won’t get into the points of numbers. However then this a lot if you find yourself doing it, the vibration will all the time remind you that you need to pay give attention to the Murti and Garbhagriha and never anything.
Anuradha: So, within the Garbhagriha we pray after which we take Charanamrita or Tirtha you name it in south India, and what’s the importance of that should you can communicate for half a minute on that?
Prasadam
Ramakrishna: Sure, after visiting and sitting within the Mandapa then standing beneath the bell after which ringing it. Then the subsequent facet is the Prasadam and the Panchamrita or Charanamrita that we take. The Panchamrita and Charanamrita are very tough terminologies. We’ll discuss that however then Prasadam. It is usually stated as a result of on Tholi Ekadashi we conduct this Satyanarayana Swami Vrata. There are 5 tales we learn once we arrange the Satyanarayana Swami Vrata. It is vitally clearly talked about there in these tales that if you’re popping out of the temple with out receiving the Prasadam then it isn’t omen.
Anuradha: So it’s not an entire go to?
Ramakrishna: It’s not an entire go to. The reason being the Prasada itself is made of various nutritious grains. It’s truly an additional nutritious complement to human beings. That’s one factor. With regards to Charanamrita or Panchamrita, it comprises 5 components like cow milk, curd, ghee, honey, water, and so forth.
Charanamrita
It’s known as Charanamrita when a Snana or bathing is finished to a Murti which is outdoors the Garbhagriha. So, mainly there are two Murtis in a temple. One is the Mula Murti which is immovable and one is the reproduction of Mula Murti outdoors the Garbhagriha. Which we are able to go to and we are able to contact known as Utsava Murti which can also be taken outdoors through the festivals. In order that bathing is finished with Panchamrita to the Murti and once more this Murti can also be made from Panchadhatu. When the washing is finished all these 5 components they arrive from the ft of the Murti. That’s the reason it’s known as Charanamrita.
When this Snana is finished to a Murti, the minerals which are there within the Murti the Panchadatu, additionally they are within the Charanamrita. That Charanamrita when consumed, we once more are provided by the minerals and vitamins.
Anuradha: So, we now have visited the Garbhagriha. We have now spent a while within the Mandapa. We have now stood beneath the bell which is ringing or we ring the bell after which we’ve taken the Charanamrit. What subsequent?
Ramakrishna: After taking this factor then we now have to concentrate to 2 vital points. One is the internal Pradakshina and outer Pradakshina. As a result of if you’re not doing Pradakshina then your temple go to is incomplete as this can be a main facet. Whereas doing internal Pradakshina usually we go across the Garbhagriha. For outer Pradakshina we go to an entire facet of a temple-like Garbhagriha.
Vahanas
Usually, earlier than speaking about outer and internal Pradakshina, allow us to make this clear mainly, there are two sorts of temples majorly seen. There are a lot of. However then majorly seen in India is the Shiva temples and Vishnu temples. Shiva and Vishnu each of them have their Vahanas. Shiva has Nandi and Vishnu has Garuda. So, earlier than their Garbhagriha at a little bit distance, you discover their Vahan Mandapa each time you might be doing Pradakshina. Externally you should cowl these Mandapas. Nandi Mandapa and Garuda Mandapa together with the Parivara Devata additionally.
For instance, whether it is Vishnu, you’ve got Bhudevi, Sridevi, Vishwaksena, Garuda, and so forth. Whether it is Shiva you’ve got Karthikeya, Ganesha, Parvati, and so forth. So, all these need to be lined within the exterior Pradikshina.
With regards to inside Pradikshina it is just to Garbhagriha and its exterior partitions. You simply have to look at inside partitions are usually not a lot intricate because the exterior partitions of the temple.
Pradakshina
Why ought to we do Pradakshina? As a result of Pradikshina itself is a type of a classroom, a category, a lecture, or an schooling. It’s like Wikipedia. As a result of while you come out of after doing the Pradikshina of Garbhagriha and if you find yourself doing the primary outer Pradakshina, you discover a number of sculpture on the temple partitions. After we are going together with the household across the Pradikshina Patha, what can we see? We see the sculpture, some we all know some we have no idea. Then our youngsters once they come to us and ask a father like what is that this?
Is that this the Rama who’s taking pictures Bali? Is that Sugriva who’s close by? So, such type of query and cross-questioning takes place. So, whereas doing that we’re discussing our Itihasas. We’re discussing as a result of temple partitions are adorned with the Itihasas-Puranas. All these tales and episodes if you find yourself going round, you might be discussing these Itihasas-Puranas and the type of info and the message that’s there behind them.
Anuradha: I name them the open-air historical past written which is on the market. Someone who doesn’t know something concerning the tales might not be capable of interpret. However anyone who is aware of even a bit concerning the story will be capable of see the entire story even in a single scene.
Ramakrishna: Little doubt, like I’ve superb examples even in my village. Illiterate individuals who can’t read-write the books they knew volumes and volumes of tales about Itihasas and Puranas. They’ll higher say the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata than me. Additionally, they will higher establish the temple partitions and the sculpture that’s there, as a result of they’ve been visiting the temples. They had been understanding the episodes, which are saved.
Knowledge
Anuradha: And greater than that they perceive the knowledge behind it and let’s not neglect these are the individuals who created these tales on the partitions.
Ramakrishna: Sure precisely, little doubt. Then many of the tales that we observe on the temple partitions are usually the great versus the dangerous, proper!. So, for instance, while you go across the Chola temple or Chola Shiva temples you discover all of the Swarupas of the Shiva like Tripurantaka Murti, Kalantaka Murti. Each episode like a god is combating evil. So they are saying whether it is evil there may be an finish to that evil sooner or later little doubt.
Anuradha: And it’s also a reminder of the truth that when issues go dangerous the gods will step in.
Ramakrishna: Yeah, precisely and that’s what creates perception in us in direction of the god.
Anuradha: So, it additionally tells you that if you’re going by a foul time the gods will step in that can assist you sooner or later in time.
Ramakrishna: Sure and that’s the reason out of all these points taking a Pradakshina within the outer exterior area of the temple may be very a lot wanted. We should always not neglect this facet in any respect. As a result of this can be a type of schooling for us.
Temple designs
Anuradha: An important level you make is that that is how younger kids study it. They go to the temples with their elders with their mother and father, grandparents and since kids are naturally curious they may ask questions and that’s the place they get grounded in these very tales which carry the knowledge of our historic civilization.
Ramakrishna: Sure, the sweetness you perceive right here mam like for instance Hazara Rama temple of Hampi or for say another temple additionally. You have got this base of the temple. Within the base of the temple, you discover animals like Simha (Lion), Ashwa (Horse), Gaja (Elephant), and Makara (Crocodile). All these animals have gotten a unique illustration. Makara represents the water. The Gaja represents energy. Then Simha represents energy and sovereignty. Ashwa represents the commerce and prosperity of the dominion.
When a child asks his father, what is that this? Then the daddy explains that is the Simha, that is Ashwa. He might ask then why are these animals there on the temple wall out of curiosity. Then the daddy has to elucidate the reason being this. So, from childhood onwards if you find yourself visiting a temple you might be stated what truly they signify and what they stand for. Usually, it’s truly the essence of life truly, like we are saying Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Nothing is much less and nothing is extra all of the 4 we now have to have.
Anuradha: After we’ve achieved the Pradakshina what are we imagined to do?
Mula Murti – Should see throughout your go to to temples
Ramakrishna: Sure Mam and see in between after Pradikshina and all these components one factor I want to point out which is essential. Understanding the Mula Murti itself like visiting. Allow us to say there may be Mahishasurmardini Murti. So she is with ten palms after which she has acquired ten Ayudhas in her palms and he or she is standing killing a Mahishasura. Whenever you see killing Mahishasura it’s apparent the message is evident that she is killing the evil.
These sculptures, they’ve recorded the knowledge that they need to convey to us. What’s that for instance, Mahishasurmardini is standing with a Chhuri. We name dagger. She is standing with the ax, she is standing with the bowl. So, all these components that we now have to grasp what truly they signify.
For instance, What does ax signify? It’s known as as Parashu. It represents that we now have to chop the worldly attachments. Then the Chhuri which may be very sharp it says your focus must be very sharp. So each Ayudha or weapon that’s there with the goddess Mahishasurmardini has a which means. If you’re visiting deity even 100 occasions and you aren’t understanding their meanings that won’t change your life. However then, when will that change a life? Whenever you do know the which means of that Parashu and Chhuri. It’s that to chop the worldly attachment.
Learnings – while you go to temples
You shouldn’t be a lot emotional in direction of the relations which are there on the planet after which need to be centered. When you realize their which means, each time you might be seeing Mahishasuramardini you might be saying this to your self. Be centered, don’t get emotional by the worldly relations and attachments. So, if you find yourself seeing you might be saying this time and again each time you might be visiting Mahishasurmardini, it’s a type of hypnotism to your self.
Anuradha: That is like studying a self-help book repeatedly which retains telling you belongings you in all probability know. However you want fixed reminders to remind you of these issues. That brings me to a different query Ramakrishna Ji. You have got studied this. So that you perceive the which means of a Parashu or a Trishul or all of the Ayudhas that our deities carry. However most of us haven’t any grounding in it. Particularly, these of us who grew up in North India. We actually have zero groundings in these points.
I bear in mind, as soon as at a museum the place there have been some pictures college students making an attempt to {photograph} sculptures. They may not even establish Vishnu and Shiva. Overlook concerning the different deities not really easy to establish.
Tales
So, the place can we go? How can we perceive these iconographies or these tales? There’s not a lot literature accessible. I’d not likely rely upon web sources. As a result of you realize you need to take them with a pinch of salt. So, Are you able to inform us a few sources the place we are able to get genuine details about this?
Ramakrishna: Sure Mam, we could also be from our childhood onwards uncared for the attractive tales that had been stated by our grandparents. We had been into totally different different issues. However we now have not paid consideration to these stunning tales like Panchatantras or Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana. Possibly you should have spent your childhood by watching these Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana. However then these days individuals don’t. Due to this, they aren’t conscious of the episodes or the points which are there within the temple or tales.
The subsequent factor is the Archaka who’s within the temple. It’s his obligation to at the least conduct a small type of lecture or perhaps 5 minutes or ten minutes or collect some 10-15 individuals and clarify what truly it means. So, now what has occurred to the obligation of Archaka has turn into solely to recite Vedic Mantras and say nothing.
Archaka’s Position – Whenever you go to temples
Anuradha: You’re very proper truly. I feel I’ve seen this solely at a temple in Guess Dwarka. The primary temple in Guess Dwarka has this periodically. I feel each half an hour or each 10-20 minutes primarily based on the gang. They make everyone sit down they provide a little bit rice in everyone’s hand as a result of rice is what Sudama gave to Krishna they usually inform the entire story. Then they are saying that you just provide Krishna this one grain of rice and your own home may also get full-filled with all of the prosperity identical to Sudama’s home.
I discovered that very attention-grabbing. I noticed everyone who visited the temple attending that speak and feeling much more enriched relatively than simply visiting the temple and never understanding what the temple stands for. However anyplace else I’ve not likely seen.
Ramakrishna: See, what an exquisite observe it’s. Whereas doing that you’ve saved lots of and hundreds of individuals and they’ll always remember that facet of their life.
Anuradha: So, I feel this can be a superb concept that you’ve floated. I hope some temple authorities will take it up, at the least through the day when individuals come within the mornings and evenings, they’ve one storytelling session within the temple.
Disseminate info on go to temples
Ramakrishna: Sure and that’s the reason Archaka is equally revered. He has to disseminate no matter as a result of he’s extra near god, he’s with the god, he understands all components of the god. Now his obligation is to disseminate that info to us.
Anuradha: In truth, now I am going and sit with them. I type of coax them into telling me all these tales. After some time, they do inform me, however most individuals are literally terrified of them. They don’t go and ask them. I want to inform people who go and ask. They oblige and it’s their obligation to oblige you.
So, coming again to this we now have achieved Pradikshina and we’ve absorbed a number of the tales or at the least remembered a number of the tales that we all know. After that what ought to we do?
Ramakrishna: I used to be saying as a result of in continuation of what you requested earlier. Additionally, let me full that and I’ll go forward. Now, mainly in India, there are Shiva temples and Vishnu temples as I stated earlier. So we now have to grasp Shiva temples and Vishnu temples. As a result of when it’s a Shiva temple all of the points associated to Shiva are current. Whether it is Vishnu temples all of the points associated to Vishnu are current.
Learn easy books
So, usually, you need to perceive them higher. You needn’t do something. You needn’t get into large books like learn Agama Shastras or one thing. Easy kids books we now have this Panchatantras or like Chitrakathas of kids books that are there. So purchase Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana. Simply learn and perceive what are the episodes which are there and that is what I did Mam. You gained’t consider I’ve this dreamland publication colourful books, I bought them and I learn them.
So, after I learn I understood that. Virtually I used to be away from many of the components, what’s Tripurantaka, then what’s Vamana Avatara then what is definitely Varaha, when does he come. So, what occurs in Varaha like he’s rescuing Bhudevi from Hiranyaksha. The sculpture is the place you don’t want anyone to elucidate that to you. Since you already know the episode you possibly can interpret every thing that’s there.
Anuradha: Yeah, however as soon as anyone wants to inform me that or those I must know. So, what occurs is that now you and I in all probability know that these tales exist. Or each sculpture comes from a narrative and nothing comes randomly. However most individuals must know that these tales exist. Then, as soon as you realize, then discovering the supply today is less complicated. You simply need to go to the web and fundamentals you’re going to get.
Sophana Marg
Coming again to the temple I’ve a few small questions. Are you able to speak concerning the Jagati? The plinth on which the temple is constructed issues like stairs, the Sophana Marg, and a few these components that we will not be conscious of.
Ramakrishna: Sure Mam, observe these terminologies they’re very attention-grabbing for instance, we are saying Jagati. The phrase itself may be very attention-grabbing as Jagati comes from the phrase Jagat. It means the world and above this Jagati, above this world, exist a temple which is the home of the god. So, he’s above this world. That’s the message we now have to grasp from this. Then once more all the time this Jagati – the very best platform that’s there may be to be accessed by the staircase. This staircase known as a Sophana Marg that’s the method to heaven.
So, why is it method to heaven? As a result of you’re going above this Jagati to see anyone who’s above this world, who’s god and the home of God is Swarga or heaven. Why? As a result of that’s the place you’ve got some peace, you’ve got some happiness, you might be freed from all damaging and ailing ideas.
Anuradha: And it is also a means of detaching your self from your personal little world and getting out of that mind set and spending time some quiet moments with one thing past you.
Search God
Ramakrishna: Sure true. That’s what is Jagati and Sophana Marg. When you get on to this Jagati then you’ve got a temple and the construction of the temple can also be very attention-grabbing. When you’re on the entrance you’ve got a small Mandapa which is a little bit slender. However while you go a little bit forward then you’ve got a little bit greater one and the subsequent to the larger Mandapa. Then the Garbhagriha and Shikhara are a lot greater than what we now have seen earlier.
So, on this illustration of what’s taking place, the chart or the arrow goes up and up. When we now have entered the temple after crossing the Sophana Marg, the need to hunt God was little. As you retain shifting in direction of the Garbhagriha that want or the Iccha is growing to achieve God increasingly more. It’s like most if you find yourself earlier than the Garbhagriha. So, that the form of the temple, going from low to the excessive itself is a illustration of how that curiosity in direction of the god or attain the god will increase in us that’s the illustration.
When do you have to go to temples?
Anuradha: So, we’ve spoken about go to the temple. Now I’ll wrap it up by asking you a easy query. When do you have to go to the temple? Like each day or on an occasional foundation or on festivals. Is there a construction that one ought to comply with?
Ramakrishna: Fantastic query Mam. Usually, we now have seen it’s a regular observe that folks go to the temples early within the morning. Any neighborhood temple which is close by perhaps some 200 meters or 500 meters. This has been a standard observe. Whereas visiting this temple, we get up very early, and that waking up within the early known as Brahma Muhurta. So, after refreshing and nature calls and all that you just bathe your self.
You’re able to go to a temple after which after instantly going to a temple you might be chanting Vedic Mantras or you might be studying one thing or you might be meditating. So all that is purifying your physique, it’s purifying your thoughts. It is usually preserving you bodily wholesome since you are getting up within the Brahma Muhurta.
Brahma Muhurta to go to temples
Anuradha: So, for individuals who have no idea Brahma Muhurta, it’s about one and a half-hour earlier than the dawn.
Ramakrishna: And the fantastic thing about this time is that while you get up, you need to go to a temple. You’re saying to your self time and again to see the god.
Anuradha: Sure, and virtually talking, I noticed a number of Devi temples, and a number of them are located on a hill near you. So, should you go to these temples you’ve got taken care of your morning stroll, your morning jog, your mountain climbing, trekking. Then you’ve got taken care of your 5-10 minutes of meditations per day. You soaked within the Solar which is changing into a giant drawback today with Vitamin D deficiency. For those who comply with this ritual you’ve got truly taken care of all types of well being – bodily, psychological, emotional, religious by simply doing this.
Ramakrishna: And that’s, visiting a temple within the early morning is healthier and other people keep longer. That is what’s the secret.
Anuradha: So, that is each day and now past each day?
Ramakrishna: Past each day. I’ll share an instance first, my father is an agriculturalist, he’s a farmer. So, what does he do is we now have this Karthi known as Margashira. Each time there may be Margashira as a result of I’m saying what occurs in my house. So, we used to do is we have a good time it as a pageant.
Margashira Nakshatra
Anuradha: Magrashira Nakshatra you might be saying?
Ramakrishna: Sure, Margashira Nakshatra. Usually, that occurs simply earlier than the arrival of the monsoon and ending of the summer time. When this occurs, father says at the least seven ft of land will get cooled up and it’s time for the monsoon to return. So, we take a small Murti to the sector and we hold it there, we hold flowers. We additionally hold some Prasadam within the house and we go to the close by temple to supply a type of puja and pageant that occurs. Quickly after this what my father does is he will get prepared making his subject able to sow.
Visiting sometimes in festivals from time to time is definitely remembering a pure calendar naturally. You needn’t practice anyone and that’s the reason the Tuli Ekadasi. It’s celebrated in a leisure time after sowing. So, by then monsoons have arrived there have been one or two rains. As soon as when the rains are achieved, now you might be celebrating fortunately giving due to the god Satyanarayana or another god.
Anuradha: That’s attention-grabbing as a result of that’s why the native calendars differ a little bit bit throughout the nation. As a result of they comply with their pure cycle naturally.
Nature cycle to go to temples
Ramakrishna: Pure cycle particularly with associated to nature as a result of with the monsoons which are in Kerala or Karnataka are usually not identical that within the Northeast, Odisha and West Bengal, and so forth. Their celebrations differ from the others, celebrations and visiting temples and celebrating festivals and choices, and so forth. is clearly following a pure calendar that has been from generations immemorial. Agricultural class is the very best class whereby you possibly can observe such practices and we are able to study from them.
Anuradha: Nice, Ramakrishna Ji. This was a terrific dialog. I’ve a number of different questions for you. However we’ll in all probability request you to return again and talk about particularly about South Indian temples, North Indian temples. For at present, thanks a lot for taking the time to share your data concerning the temples. I hope some individuals will comply with this routine and they’ll begin visiting temples little extra intimately than they had been earlier doing this. So, thanks a lot for this.
Ramakrishna: I’d request everyone to take action. As a result of that’s the means we are able to protect our heritage. Thanks loads for asking the questions and for this nice alternative. Thanks, Namaste.
Anuradha: Namaste, Thanks.
Transcription by Harshil Gupta, and intern with IndiTales below IndiTales Internship Program.
Edited for this on-line publication.
