9 common mistakes people do, while visiting a temple

In India, going for pilgrimage is a very old tradition and a common phenomenon. Our ancestors had made pilgrimage as a very important part of their life. Even today, many people are visiting temples on a regular basis. However, a vast valuable knowledge has been lost over a time period and today we lack the spiritual significance behind our pilgrimages. Here, we have attempted to highlight some of the common mistakes that we do today while visiting temples and that can be easily avoided. Again, this is just a start and lots to come and we will bring those to you in phases.

          1. Discomposed frame of mind

Don’t focus on problems or projects at home, work or relationships. Don’t think or talk about politics or business. Go to temple in a spiritual frame of mind. Listen to chants, spiritual music while going to temple. This prepares you to arrive in a spiritual frame of mind.

          2. Dressing in your style

Don’t go in your daily dressing style to temple. Keep clean, special clothing just for the temple. Preferably dress in traditional clothing. Avoid dark, jazzy colors and wearing of any leather items. This helps put your mind in a religious mood.

          3. Not watching your food

Stick to sathvic diet on your day to temple. Do not smoke or consume any intoxicants including tobacco during your temple visit. Avoid eating non-vegetarian on that day. This prepares your body to receive the energy and blessings.

          4. Going empty-handed

Take an offering with you. Ideally, a flower (preferably lotus), flower garland or fruit for each shrine at which you worship. The act of giving makes you receptive to blessings.

           5. Be in a rush

Stay for a while after your darshan. Don’t rush away. Sit and meditate. Recline in the divine energy of the temple and feel the stillness and sensation within you.

           6. Let the mind wander

At the temple, be with your own feelings and in meditative state. Get yourself immersed in the feelings. This will bring lot positivity in our mind and will add more intensity of your worship and you being there. Strict NO usage of cell phones inside the temple.

           7. Ignoring the legend of the temple (Sthalapuranam)

Try to get an idea on the history, legend behind the temple. This helps in multiple ways. It brings context to everything you see and do in a temple.

           8. Overlooking the procedures

There are very simple and unique procedures associated to a darshan. After leaving our shoes outside, wash hands, feet and mouth. First, seek blessings at Lord Ganesha’s shrine. Next follow the protocols according to the temple. This is very important and has a lot of significance. After darshan, while we prostrate, men should do ashtanga pranama, and women should do panchanga pranama.

          9. Making it an activity

Going for a pilgrimage or visiting a temple is not an activity. It is an experience. It can be transformative. You should give an opportunity for the transformation to happen within you.