1. The importance of a Devalay (Temple)
Most of us go to the Devalay (Temple) from time to time. Hindu Dharma gives us knowledge based on shastra (science) which explains with clarity the importance of having darshan (viewing) of the Deity in a Devalay. In the following article we can see how we can benefit from taking darshan in a Devalay and the importance of a Devalay.
1 A. All the ten directions get charged with Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) because of a Devalay
Since a Devalay is a seat of attraction, emission and distribution of the actual Shakti (Divine Energy), Shakti is constantly attracted towards the Devalay and is also emitted in all directions and because of its movement in the sagun (Materialised) areas, it brings about the purification of the environment and the individual.
Lower Direction: Through the ritualistic laying of the shila (foundation stone) during the ceremony for a Devalay, the atmosphere of the lower direction gets charged with Chaitanya waves.
Eight directions: With consecration of the Idol of the Deity inside the Devalay, all the eight directions get charged with Chaitanya.
Upper direction: Emission of sattvik fountain like waves from the kalash (Dome) of the Devalay purifies the atmosphere in the upper direction of the surrounding area. These waves also help protect the village from negative energies that enter from all the ten directions. – A Scholar (Through the medium of Mrs. Anjali Gadgil, 14th January 2005)
1 B. During the period of an eclipse, Raja-Tama predominant waves are destroyed at a distance of 5 kilometres from the surface of the earth due to the Hindu Devalays; whereas, these waves are absorbed by prayer houses of some sects
During the period of an eclipse, Raja-Tama predominant waves laden with black energy descend on the earth. Due to the Deity Principle, Chaitanya, sattvikta and the marak-shakti (Destroyer Energy) that is emitting from the Idol of the Deity in Hindu Devalays, these Raja-Tama predominant waves are destroyed at a distance of 5 kilometres from the surface of the earth, thus reducing their ill effects on earth.
2. Importance of having darshan in a Devalay
2 A. Having darshan in a Devalay amounts to making an effort to move from the sagun (Materialised) to the nirgun ̣̣(Non-materialised):
1. Having darshan in a Devalay amounts to chronologically taking the help of gross activities, followed by visiting the subtle-region of the Deities, making use of the nirgun-sagun medium, followed by worship of the Deities, undertaking actual spiritual practice and thus progressing spiritually.
2. Having darshan in a Devalay denotes a stepwise attempt to progress towards the nirgun, by experiencing God through the sagun worship of the actual Shakti, obtaining the blessings of God by learning through experiences and by worshipping Shakti coming in the form of blessings from God.
2 B. The process of having darshan in a Devalay accomplishes vyashti (Individual spiritual practice that benefits only the seeker undertaking it) and samashti sadhana (Spiritual practice for the spread of Spirituality):
The process of having darshan in a Devalay is samashti sadhana through the medium of vyashti sadhana and gross activity accomplishing vyashti goals through a samashti oriented activity. Hence, having darshan in a Devalay leads to both vyashti and samashti sadhana of the individual.
Reference : Sanatan’s Holy text, ‘How should one have darshan in a temple ?’
