Page 5 - March 2018 Newsletter

FOOD FOR THOUGHT :

Q & A

With

Mrs Asha Manoharan

What is

Aalayam ?

Aalayam is the combination of “Aa” and “Layam” and means Temple. It is

the place where our mind should become one with God and therefore the
word “Aa” means to become, and “layam” is to “become one with”.

Now, why do we have to visit temples? The reason is threefold.

First and foremost, a temple is a storehouse of spiritual energy. Just like
the sun’s rays which are vital for life on earth, can be concentrated using

a convex lens to make a paper burn, all the spiritual and positive energy

is concentrated in the Garbhagriham (Sanctum sanctorum where the pri-
mary deity resides) of the temple. One, therefore, has to visit temples to

tap into this reservoir of energy.

Secondly, a temple also served as a storehouse of grains which was used

during famines.

Thirdly, the temple was a venue for art and culture to be showcased. This

included beautiful sculptures by the shilpis, famous poetic works such as

Kamban Ramayanam, musical creations of Alvar and Nayanar poets, dra-
mas such as Meenakshi Kalyanam, Sita Kalyanam.

Therefore, temples provide each one of us an opportunity to have a truly

uplifting spiritual and cultural experience.

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