Q.1 : While going to the temple why do we take off the shoes outside?
A.1 : First, Visiting a temple is quite different from visiting any other place. The temple is the best place we visit. That is the place from which we are to gain something invaluable. During our practical life when we go to a minister, we change our mental level and our attitude. Whatever dust has gathered on our shoes, socks or feet are removed by us by striking our feet on the floor outside his chamber or residence. There is a hygienic reason behind this. Cleanliness is as essential as preserving sanctity.
Shoes move on various surfaces both dirty and clean A person may be sitting near a dirty pool and flies may be repeatedly resting on his body. Another clean person occupying a decent seat may be talking to someone. Our attitude to both of them may be quite different because one is dirty while the other is clean. This cleanliness is of prime necessity to preserve the sanctity of the temple, which is the holy home of God.
Moreover when we go to a temple or approach the holy throne of Shree Thakorji at home, our mental state and status should be quite different. If we take off the shoes or other footwear, together with all our mental darkness, ego and crookedness and then if we enter the temple and approach God, the receptive capacity of the mind would increase. It will be highly beneficial to you if you keep out the bundle of worldly thoughts together with your shoes, chapels etc. outside and then practice meditation and devotion. If you forget yourself and be one with Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, the journey of life would be worthwhile. If you want to realize God you will have to give up at least something, You get a logical spark of a divine thought when you take off shoes or chapels.
what is the significance of FIRE during aarti?
ReplyDeleteIn the ritual of Arati the fire is there, The Arati with fire is being waved before the Moorti i.e. idol of God. In ancient time there were no lights so in the central sanctum of the temple to visualize the Idol the ceremony of Arati was in practice.
ReplyDeleteThe fire has two significance: 1. Fire burns and purifies any thing and 2. Fire gives light. So if you want to visualize God, your impurities should be burnt with the fire of detachment and You should have the enlightenment, means the wisdom of self and Supreme can lead one to the path of Light which may lead one to Bliss. These are the two aspects of fire in Arati
Lalji Bhagat