Need to visit temples/punya kshetra

From the Bhakti List Archives

• February 8, 2002


Priya Bhagawadbandhuvullara,
Asmathsree Gurubhyo Namaha
Srimannarayana Ramanuja Yathibhyo Namaha
Srimathay Narayananayanamaha
Srimathay Ramanujaya Namaha
Jaishrimannarayana
With reference to the doubt raised by a member regarding 'Need to visit
temples/punya kshetra when chanting of Lord Srimannaraya is enough for
salvation';  an analogy  as given by elders is
Aradhana at home is akin to lighting within our house with utility for
house members only.  Street lighting or public lighting is for the
utility  of a larger public.
One very important point  which many forget is,  temples-moorthy  have
not come out of their own but on request  by many devotees at various
times.  Temples are built due to the following reasons
a.  To commemorate  the appearance of the Lord  to staunch devotees on
various occasions
b.  Building of temples by devotees themselves after Consecration of
idols after detailed vedic activities

In both cases the Lord came only on detailed request as per the Agama
Sastras as a guest to bless all the devotees  for ever, who visit Him.
Once He is in Archa Form it is the duty of  all to take care of Him
there after for ever  as per the Agama Sastras.  So as a fellow devotee
it is the bounden duty of each and every one to pay a visit once in a
while to the temple and get the blessings.  It is not out of compulsion
that one is visiting a temple, but out of love/devotion one visits a
temple.  Temples serve many other purposes like gathering of like minded
people, sharing of devotional information, solace to
mentally/physically/devotionally  weak  etc.  It is indeed impossible to
think of ourselves sans  any temple at all to visit.

Jai Sriman Narayana

Kilambi   Ramakrishna Ramanuja Dasan




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