Intro
‘Temples nurture mental peace; maintenance and regular rituals vital for devotees’ wellbeing’
BENGALURU
Temples serve as spiritual centres that help stabilise the human mind and provide inner peace, and their absence would have led to a rise in mental depression, said Sri Siddalinga Mahaswamiji of Siddagange Mutt, Tumakuru. He underlined that temples have, since time immemorial, played a crucial role in preserving emotional balance and social harmony in the country.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Sri Someshwara Community Hall, guest rooms, the extended Dasoha Bhavan, a new temple chariot and chariot house at the Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple premises in Mugabala village of Hoskote taluk. The seer said that while constructing temples is important, maintaining them and ensuring regular rituals and services is equally essential for the benefit of devotees.
Sri Siddalinga Swamiji noted that Sanatanis have traditionally turned to temples and shrines to overcome mental unrest and life’s difficulties, building peaceful lives rooted in faith and devotion. This, he said, reflects the enduring strength of Sanatana heritage. Appreciating the efforts of local leaders, he said the Mugabala region was developing steadily under the leadership of Dr C Somashekar and expressed hope that it would emerge as a major religious centre in the future. He urged devotees and elected representatives to work together for the development of the historic temple.
Shri Tejeshalinga Mahaswamiji of Nagalapura observed that devotion gains true meaning only when it is accompanied by service. While cities and towns are expanding rapidly, he said the human mind has become increasingly restless because rituals are often dismissed as superstition and temples portrayed as symbols of fanaticism.
Dr C Somashekar, President of the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishad, said human life becomes meaningful only when individuals fulfil their responsibilities and remain connected to society. If religious leaders engage with people’s joys and hardships, he said, Sanatana culture can become a guiding force globally.
Several dignitaries, including Shri Mahant Shivacharya Swamiji of Bellanpuri, Hulikal Nataraj, KS Suresh, Pratibha Sharath and representatives of temple trusts and religious organisations, were present.