When the spark of devotion is ignited in the devotee’s heart, the first thing he does is go to the Temple. Keep a note that the first thing you do when you reach the Temple is to take off your shoes outside. You should always go to the Temple after having taken a bath. Upon entering the Temple, you bow your head in front of the deities and chant some mantras. This signifies that we have learned how to be pure clean, sacred, and holy. When we got close to God, we should not take any unholy or impure things, and these must be left outside. Shoes are considered unclean and impure, that is why they are left outside.

Just as impure objects are left outside the temple, one must not enter the temple with an impure mind. Ego, which is an impurity, should not be brought into the temple. By bowing our head, we submit our ego to God in case it is brought in as it does not stand a chance in there. After entering, one often offers flowers to God. Flowers are a symbol of tenderness and signify our intention to offer our tender heart at the feet (“dar”) of God.

Flowers are also a symbol of fragrance and by offering them; we are offering the scent of our good deeds in front of God. Flowers are also a symbol of happiness so we should be happy when we go to the Temple or near God. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude and happiness. When we return home from the Temple, we should bring the same happiness with us. This is the very beginning of devotion and the development of a devotee.

In the Temple, we also offer a coconut, which is a symbol of our head. Offering our head means humble submission. The only way to receive the grace of God is by surrendering the ego. There is no other way. So, this is the beginning. You can say that you have acquired primary education in spirituality.

Moving on to the next step in spirituality involves actions such as doing Jaap, good deeds, serving humanity, giving donations, and singing the glory of the All-mighty.