BASIC KNOWLEDGE DURING GOING TEMPLES 

1.Taking off our footwear and washing our legs and hands before entering the temple premises:

The Gods  are Supreme Beings and by taking off our footwear, we remove the negativity outside the sacred premises and also accept the vulnerability and the smallness of our being and existence in front of the Lord. We go naked feet all over the temple to show our mark of respect and humbleness. The richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor, all do the same. Washing the feet and hands before entering the premises is recommended to wash away the negativity the we may have accumulated.

 2.Burning Camphor during Arti-Aarti and Incense sticks:

Camphor has a holy feeling to it. The rings of smoke that the camphor produces carries the devotees prayer to the Higher being and is an appeal to the Supreme Lord. Aarti being performed with Camphor has a spiritual significance. Camphor burns itself out completely without leaving a trace. Camphor represents our Vasanas, unmanifested desires. So also if we were to take refuge in the Lord, obtain knowledge, these desires will get burnt out. At the end of the aarti we place the hands over the flame and touch our eyes and top of the head. It means that may the light that illumined the Lord light up my vision, may my thoughts be pure and beautiful.

Incense sticks dispels bad odor and keeps the environment in and around the temple pure and unblemished. A person feels happy entering the premises because of the smell of camphor and incense. On a human plane it means that we should sacrifice ourselves to serve society, in the process spread the perfume of love and happiness to all.

3.Lighting a Diya or Lamp(ghee or nalla yennai):

Lighting of lamps with a cotton wick  helps to  maintain harmony in the family. The wick in the traditional oil lamp symbolizes ego and the oil or ghee used symbolizes our negative tendencies. When we are lit by self knowledge, the negative tendencies (oil) melt away and finally the ego (wick) perishes. When the ego perishes, we realize that we are all part of Brahman and that life is a continuity. The lighting of ‘diya’ or lamp at home is considered highly auspiciousness as it brings prosperity and good health. The daily evening lamp lit at home also gives us an opportunity to ponder over one’s omissions and commissions in a day. It is believed that one should worship Lord Narayana/Vishnu by lighting lamps with Gingelly Oil and lighting of lamps with Castor Oil brings you all kinds of wealth.