Establishing Temples for God Consciousness
The construction and maintenance of temples have been integral to spiritual culture for thousands of years. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that temples are not mere monuments or social clubs; they are educational institutions designed to train people in the science of God. Following the footsteps of previous ācāryas, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement aims to establish such sanctuaries globally, providing a practical means for the conditioned souls to engage their senses in the service of the Lord.
A Legacy of Ācāryas
The great spiritual teachers of the past, including the Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana, established temples to preserve the tradition of authentic worship. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Rāmānujācārya, Madhvācārya, and Lord Caitanya's followers all prioritized this work. It was not a whimsical activity but a calculated effort to uplift society.
- Temple visitors are not idolaters, as alleged by some men with a poor fund of knowledge. All the great acaryas established such temples of worship in all places just to favor the less intelligent.
- They (temples) were established by big acaryas, by Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, Visnu Svami, Lord Caitanya. There is Jagannatha temple. Every day hundreds and thousands of people are going to see.
- It is through the endeavor of the Gosvamis that all the important temples in Vrndavana were established.
Śrīla Prabhupāda's Mission
A unique aspect of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life was the fulfillment of an astrological prediction that he would establish temples in foreign lands. He took this mission seriously, seeing it as an opportunity to create "embassies" of the spiritual world in every town and village. His vision was vast—to establish hundreds and thousands of centers where people could find shelter from the material struggle.
- I told you that in my horoscope it was declared that after seventieth year, I shall go to foreign countries and I shall establish many temples. In my horoscope that is. Now I see it is coming practically.
- Actually my mission is to establish hundreds and thousands of temples like the one which I have established in London and other places, and I wish that every Indian who has a little love for Krishna may cooperate with me in this attempt.
- The world is becoming a more hellish place to live. Therefore one who is able to take to Krishna consciousness is considered the most fortunate of men. To help people in this regard I have established my temples all over the world.
Quality Over Quantity
While expanding is important, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that the quality of worship must never be compromised. A temple is only as good as the devotees who maintain it. If the regulative principles are ignored and the standard of arcana drops, the Deity becomes a "burden" or galagraha rather than a source of mercy.
- Suppose I have established this temple. Now under my direction, my disciples are worshiping vigraha. Vigraha means the form of the Lord, rupa. But if there is no following of the regulative principles, then after my death it will be galagraha, a burden.
- If it is not possible to worship the Deity according to the rules and regulation, there is no need of establishing temple. But if there are devotees who can actually keep the temple worship method in right order, then by chanting, everything is complete.
Temples at Home
One does not need to be a sannyāsī to establish a place of worship. Śrīla Prabhupāda encouraged householders to turn their homes into small temples. By installing Deities and following a routine of service, families can live peacefully and happily, making their home a place of liberation.
- Arcana-marga, temple worship. Everyone can establish a small temple in his house, and he can begin family-wise: himself, his wife, his children. That is wanted.
- Encourage the visitors, boys and girls as well as married couples, to understand the value of life and how they can peacefully and happily live if they follow the routine worship method in the temple and establish this in their home to be happy in all respects.
Conclusion
The establishing of temples is a practical demonstration of compassion. By creating sacred spaces where the Lord is worshiped, devotees provide a tangible lifeline for society to reconnect with God. Whether a grand public institution or a humble home altar, the temple is the center of spiritual life.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Establishing Temples. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.