Shlok 23
When passing by temples of Lord Shiva and other deities, one shall bow to them and pay due reverence to the deities therein. |
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| Na Cha Kasya Api Devtaya Apamanana Na Karyetyha - the reason for this commandment is to prevent an
insult to such deities from being committed. Shatanand explains that it is
an insult to the Gods if we pass by a Deva Mandir and do not pay due
respects to the deity. He insists that when passing temples (Deva-Mandirs)
of Shiva, Devi, Ganesh etc. we must pay our respects - Shivalai
Deviganeshadidevmandirani Syuaha.
Vashista Smruti
explains, ‘Those who do not pay humble respects to a Deva Murti, a
Sanyaas or a Yogi after passing are destined for Prayaschit.’
Therefore to prevent insult to the Gods and invoke their wrath, we must pay
our respects through Darshan, Namaskar, Daan etc.
This Shloka shows the true greatness of the Lord. A truly brilliant Acharya
of Sanatan Dharma, who accepted the fellowship of all major deities. He himself
worshipped many of these deities through Pooja. We must follow this
example set by the Lord and offer equal praise to such deities. We must never
walk the path of disregarding any accepted deity. |
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