Did temples always exist? And is going to a temple a prescribed practice? Why should one go to a temple at all?

The message of the vedas and upanishads testify to the traditional household being self-contained. Worship was to the fundamental elements of nature with offerings to the three fires (garhapatya, ahavaniya, dakisnaagni). Fire altars were a standard fixture in households. Invocations to the divine accompanied the offerings. Historians claim temples emerged after 500 BCE. Based on the scriptures and historians, we consider temples to be a later stage of development.

Temples emerged over a period to become a catalyst in social and economic development. Temples became the epicenter for a village or town. It was a place to discuss and decide community betterment topics with the belief of a divine force guiding the decision. The architectural construct of the temple helped it become a place of serve. Temples on the high ground were safe during heavy rains. Charity, the core motto helped serve the needy. Temples as the place to impart education was accepted as a priority.

The later years saw the evolution of scriptures (agamas), which described the method, specifications to build a temple, the deities, and worship guidelines. Going to the temple as the place for convergence and connecting to the vibrations and energy defaulted to a standard practice.

In the current world, a temple is much like a puja room. The spiritual purpose is to serve a concentrated channel of divine energy. There is air all around, but you still put on a fan. Temple serves that gush of divine characteristics, elevated several folds by the thoughts and behavior of individuals coming with a devotional intent. And, when there is no one around, the silence provides a space for silent contemplation on the deity. Temples also have fire altars giving access to follow the vedic tradition of fire offerings.

A routine of going to the temple then inculcates a discipline of recharging your spiritual energy. Provided, the temple, the deity, the surroundings, and the people resonate with your beliefs, liking, and perception. The other aspect is community support. Helping a temple develop brings in many to explore the path of spirituality and when guided, can create a surge of intellectual seekers. This is welcome, as it leads to unity in diversity.