Significance of Bali Peetam in Temples !!

When we enter into temple we can find the ” Bali Peetam ” near the Dwajasthambham. The word Bali means “Sacrifice”. Unfortunately, the concept has been misunderstood from our ancient period and people started sacrificing the animals inside the temple on the Bali Peetam and the same has been followed for centuries.

But the real truth or purpose of having a Bali Peetam in the temple is totally different. According to the Agama Sastra / Vidhi, when we enter into the temple we should Sacrifice / Surrender our Ego and Bad Thoughts in front of the Bali Peetam and enter the temple with a pure mind.

It is always said that every human has got six qualities namely Kama (Lust), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Selfishness), Moha (Delusion), Madha (Pride), and Matsarya (Envy). Because of these qualities, humans behave like animals. In order to preserve the sanctity of the temple and to prevent the humans from entering the temple with a polluted mind, these Sacrificial Pedestal (Bali Peetam) are in place.

Devotees should bundle their ego, sacrifice all the bad thoughts and ill feelings and then enter the temple with a pure mind. At the Sacrificial Pedestal, they should surrender totally to the Almighty, and then enter the temple with the mind filled with pure thoughts about the Lord. In the end, before leaving the temple, devotees should do Namaskaram/prostrate in front of the Dwajhasthambam and Bali Peetam with total humility and true devotion.

The priests at the temple normally offer the Prasadam (Naivedhyam) at the Bali Peetam. It is also considered as the “Seat of offerings”. This is normally done after offering the Naivedhyam to the main Lord and other deities of the temple. It is believed that the food offered at this place would be accepted by the deities and the other elementary forces.