Why do people visit temples when God is everywhere?
Temple is the only place to attain peace for many devotees. Those who believe in God have a place of worship at home. But, they go to the temples to worship. God resides there according to them. So, they go there to get positive vibes.
According to them, a temple is a place where one can concentrate. It is the ideal place to meditate compared to anywhere else.
According to Hindu belief, God is omnipresent. But, only in the temples, people worship idols with utmost care and offerings.
Temple is the most sacred place for many. They go to the temple just to follow the tradition passed onto them by their parents and forefathers.
Scientific reasons for visiting temples
Many worshippers visit temples but may not know the scientific benefits of visiting there. Let’s discuss at length about the scientific benefits of visiting religious places.
- After the idol is placed, the structure of the religious shrine is built. The place where the idol is placed is called ‘Moolasthan’. In other words, known as the pivotal point. It has extreme magnetic waves. It creates a peaceful atmosphere and positive energy.
- Worshippers in Temples after done with praying takes Parikrama. It is a very common ritual in Hindu shrines. It helps to absorb all the positive energy present there.
- Visiting temples activates one’s sense organs. When the devotees after Prayers move their hands on camphor and Diya and touch their eyes, the warmth activates the sense of touch.
- The items kept surrounding the area of worship like flowers, Diya, incense sticks, camphor, etc creates a strong essence. It activates the sense of smell.
- Worshippers after praying with their eyes closed, see the light of diya with open eyes which activates their sense of light.
- Listening to the bells at the temples activates the seven healing chakras in the body. The sounds from bells creates unity in the left and right portions of the brain. This sound lasts for seven seconds in the form of an echo.
- Worshippers taste Chranamrut after prayers. It is a liquid prasad made with milk, curd, and ghee. Offered in a copper vessel, it helps to balance the three doshas- Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Also, it activates the sense of taste.
Ancient people were aware of these scientific reasons. Thus, they used to visit temples. But, with time people were forced to believe in God which kept them away from these scientific disciplines.
God lies in faith
Temple is a place where people believe God exists. There are also miracle stories related to various temples. These miracles had made devotees believe that visiting temples would bring good fortune and blessings in their life.
According to Indian tradition, people follow the ritual of pilgrimage. People visit char Dham- Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka.
The other important pilgrim centers are Vaishnodevi, Shirdi Dham, Tirupati Balaji, etc. Devotees take difficulties to reach the pilgrim places. After their visit, the hardships they undertake make their will stronger.
Every year lakhs of people visit Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, Ujjain, etc. to take holy baths in rivers. In such places, devotees are completely in a state of trance.
Other reasons for visiting temples
Temples are different from homes as there is a priest for performing rituals which help devotees to perform Prayer with rituals.
Copper and brass utensils are available for worship in the temple. These utensils are beneficial for worship.
The Sanctorum is dimly lit and the light from Diya illuminates the idol. This low light helps devotees to focus on the divine. It gives an impression that God is only light amid the darkness.
People also go to the temple for astrological purposes. When there is something wrong with the planet or affliction in the horoscope, they do some specific Puja.
Mundan ceremony is another important reason for visiting temples. Such ceremonies take place in Tirupati Balaji, Kamakhya, Rishikesh, etc.
Temples with beautiful architecture also attract tourists from all over the world.
There are scientific as well as religious reasons for visiting temples. Though God is everywhere visiting temples provides a peaceful mind and healthy body.
The tradition of visiting temples among the theists had been passed through the ancestors from generation to generation and is religiously followed by the latter.