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Spirit of worship

CHENNAI: Scriptures and religious texts extol the spirit behind acts of worship and not the external ostentation that may accompany them.

An interesting anecdote in Andal’s life as she grew up under the tender care of Periazhwar is symbolic of this unique relationship that is built on true devotion, pointed out Sri Mathivannan in a lecture. Andal imbibed the highest ideals of Bhakti from her devout foster father and longed to be one with the Lord. Her devotion assumed the Bhava of a lover, and seeing herself as belonging to Him, she didn’t feel it amiss when everyday she wore the garlands her father had lovingly made to offer to the deity in the temple. That God willingly accepted and preferred the garlands already worn by Andal became clear when one day the deity indicated this to Periazhwar. Andal’s true devotion was thus established.

Sabhari, Kuchela and Vidura stand testimony to the value of sincerity when one offers something to God. It is not what is offered that is important but the way it is offered. Sabhari tested the quality of the fruits by tasting them herself, Kuchela offered simple flattened rice and Vidura gave the banana skin instead of the fruit. Yet the Lord accepted what was offered gladly, since he responded to their Bhakti Bhava in their offerings rather than the offerings themselves. In all these cases there was no intention of any personal gain.

There is another anecdote of Indra’s worship of the Devi with excellent fully bloomed thousand lotuses. Sage Durvasa, astonished by the quality and quantity of the flowers adorning the feet of the Goddess, wanted to know who had done such worship. The Goddess asked the sage to remove the flowers so that he could see Her feet covered with heat boils caused by Indra’s offer of flowers for the fulfilment of his many desires.

It is said that the best flowers to offer God are those of Ahimsa(non-violence), conquest over senses, compassion towards all, forgiveness, meditation, penance, Jnana and truth.

Lord Krishna offers a recipe for true devotion in the Bhagavad Gita. He says that a fruit, leaf, flower or a even a drop of water when offered with true love is acceptable to Him.

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