Temple Worship : 4.
To,
All Members,
After entering the first gate, the devotees are directed to take Pradakshinam in the clockwise direction. While doing this, we have to practise breathing; along with deep breathing recite any Mantra by which the mind can divert its attention from the world to the Lord. When the mind is able to merge in the thoughts of Divinity, one is qualified to enter the inner circle of the temple. The building around the sanctum is called Chuttambalam (Nalambalam, Thidappally etc).
Around the Chuttambalam an array of small lamps can be seen. These lamps represent the divine conscious thoughts. According to our Vedas, the light represents the Consciousness within.
Modern Science teaches us that where there is light there must be heat. We can see the light and also experience the heat. Similarly we can feel the heat in our body. Where there is heat there must be light. So in the light of Consciousness the heat exists. As we feel heat, we should also continuously understand and feel the inner light. When we enter the Chuttmbalam we should constantly think about the inner light by meditating upon the form of the Deity. Then we will reach the Namaskara Mandapam.
Swami Udit Chaithanya
To be continued ...
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