Epoch making temples

On the 21st of April 1988, Amma consecrated the first Brahmasthanam (abode of the Absolute) temple at Kodungallur, which was constructed according to Her instructions. Amma's Brahmasthanam temples are so different from the common temples of India today, it can be said that they are the hallmarks of a new epoch in temple worship.

Unity in Diversity

While many temples have shrines to more than one deity, each deity is represented by a separate murthi (idol). Amma's temples have only one murthi. But in a revolutionary move, She instructed that the stone murthi be carved with four faces, one on each side. The shrine depicts the images of Shiva's Divine family: Shiva, Devi, Ganesha and a Serpent (representing the Kundalini power, Rahu and Murugan). This clearly points to the underlying unity inherent in the myriad deities of the Hindu pantheon: the One with many faces.

The four faces of the shrine: (from left) Devi, Ganesha, Shiva, Rahu

An Atmosphere of Devotion

At a typical temple festival in today's India, there are no satsangs, no spiritual words of wisdom, no bhajans. If there is a puja at all, it will be in a corner of the temple and ignored by most in favour of the dramas and other entertainment, which are no different from what one might see at a cinema. Generally the temple authorities allow this to go on because it seems to be the only way to draw people to the temple at all. But Amma has "driven the money changers out of the temple." Or rather, in Her infinitely gentle fashion, She built Her own temples and never invited them in. At Her three- and four-day festivals, the Sri Lalita Sahasranama is chanted five times daily in a call-and-response fashion to allow everyone to participate. Amma Herself sings bhajans twice daily, and the swamis and others sing continuously as long as She is giving darshan, which She does for the better part of the day and night. Sannyasis, brahmacharis, and spiritually-minded devotees give satsang both in the morning and the evening. At Amma's Brahmasthanam festivals, scarcely a moment passes when the Names of God are not being chanted—broadcast on dozens of speakers up to a kilometre away so that all in the darshan queue can hear—and each attendee has the opportunity to see, hear, touch, and share their sorrows with the Goddess.

Everyone is Welcome

The temples are kept in pristine purity through daily pujas that regenerate the atmosphere of pure devotion, and kindle a sense of unity among the devotees. Everyone, irrespective of gender, caste or religion is welcome to worship. The serenity of the temple atmosphere is maintained throughout the year by allowing only activities with direct spiritual bearing to be held in the temple premises.

A Direct, Personal Connection to God

Traditionally, if you wanted the benefits of a particular puja, you had to pay a priest to perform the puja for you. But Amma reasoned that if you are the person who is suffering, you must perform the puja yourself. "If you are hungry," She said, "It's not enough that someone else eats." After so many years of listening to people's problems, Amma determined that, generally, people experience sorrow or difficulties when their lives are under the influence of Saturn, Mars, or Rahu.

In another revolutionary move, Amma initiated mass pujas, guided by Herself or one of Her monastic disciples, in which each participant performs the puja for him- or herself. Amma asked everyone to join in these pujas, without any distinction of caste, religion, age or gender. Amma wanted to removed the oft-misused authority of the priesthood, letting the people connect with God directly.