Principles of Establishing Deities
The worship of the Deity, or arcana, is one of the essential limbs of devotional service. Throughout history, great saints and kings have established Deities of the Supreme Lord to facilitate the devotees' service. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while this practice is glorious, it carries a heavy responsibility. The establishing of a Deity is not merely a ritualistic act but a lifelong commitment to serve the Lord according to strict scriptural injunctions.
A Legacy of Ācāryas
The recovery and re-establishment of the holy land of Vṛndāvana was centered around the service of specific Deities. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights the role of the Six Gosvāmīs, particularly Sanātana Gosvāmī and Rūpa Gosvāmī, in this mission. By establishing Deities like Madana-mohana and Govindajī, they created spiritual hubs that revived the glory of the dhāma. Similarly, Mādhavendra Purī established the Gopāla Deity on Govardhana Hill.
- Sanatana Gosvami was enjoined to establish the Vrndavana method of temple worship and install Deities in temples (Sri Sanatana Gosvami established the Madana-mohana temple, and Rupa Gosvami established the Govindaji temple).
- Only by the endeavors of Sri Sanatana Gosvami were all the lost places of pilgrimage in the Vrndavana area excavated. He established Madana-mohana, the first Deity in the Vrndavana area.
- Madhavendra Puri rediscovered Gopala and established Him on top of Govardhana Hill. This Gopala Deity is now situated at Nathadvara and is under the management of descendants of Vallabhacarya.
Strictness vs. Farce
While the desire to worship the Lord is commendable, Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly warns against establishing Deities without the capacity to maintain the proper standard of worship. He advises householders (gṛhasthas) to be realistic. If one cannot follow the rules strictly, it is better not to establish a Deity than to commit offenses by making the process a "farce."
- I understand that some of our householder devotees are ordering for Deities. The point is that they worship strictly. Don't make a play. If you follow strictly the Deity worship method, then you establish; otherwise, don't establish. It will be offense.
- Unless you are fully trained, don't establish Deity to make a farce. Better learn it perfectly in the temple, and when you think that the members of the household are also now as good as the devotees in the temple, then you must establish the Deity.
- At the present day, especially in big, big cities, people live in small apartments and are not able to establish a Deity or temple.
Preaching over Installation
In the propagation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the establishment of Deities is not always the first priority. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself did not establish temples but focused on the saṅkīrtana movement. Consequently, Śrīla Prabhupāda often advised his disciples to open preaching centers or focus on distributing literature, which can be more effective than managing a temple without sufficient manpower.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu set a practical example in that He did not establish any temples or Deities, but He profusely introduced the sankirtana movement.
- There is no need of establishing a deity for the time being in these places you have mentioned. Simply make a nice preaching center.
- Whenever there is a possibility to worship the Deity, we may establish many centers, but generally we should give more stress to the distribution of transcendental literature, for this will be more effective in converting people to Krsna consciousness.
The Purpose of Worship
When established correctly, the Deity serves as a focal point for the devotee's consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the presence of the Deity allows one to automatically think of Kṛṣṇa throughout the day. It establishes the devotee's identity as an eternal servant.
- We have also established worship of the Deity in our temple so that all day long one will automatically think of Krishna, He is so kind.
- The Madana-mohana Deities simply establish that "I am Your eternal servant." With Govinda, however, there is actual acceptance of service, and therefore He is called the functional Deity.
Conclusion
Establishing a Deity is a serious transcendental transaction. It connects the devotee to the Lord through authorized service. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the essence of this connection is sincerity and strict adherence to the instructions of the spiritual master, whether through direct Deity worship or the propagation of the saṅkīrtana mission.
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 Deities. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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