The new year began with a focus on spiritual growth. We visited the Tirumala Devasthana in Tirupati, where we had the blessed opportunity to receive darshan of Tirupati Balaji. Prior to that, we explored another ancient and beautiful temple, the Sri Kalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh, which has stood for over a thousand years. This temple is not just another Shiva temple; it is one of the Pancha Bhoota Temples of India. The Pancha Bhootas represent the five elements of life—Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Sky. The Kalahasti Temple symbolizes the element of Air.
This journey led me to reflect on the deeper question of why we visit temples. Is it driven by religion, spirituality, or something more profound? Personally, I believe that praying to the divine, in any form, not only brings discipline but also fosters accountability for our actions. I feel that God guides us to discern between right and wrong, especially in moments of doubt or when we face confusion. It is the divine presence that checks our actions, urging us toward righteousness. Thus, starting the new year with worship helps bring calmness to the mind and nurtures spirituality, enhancing our sense of health and well-being.
But what exactly is health and well-being? It is not merely the absence of disease; it encompasses far more. True well-being is about balance—social, physical, mental, and spiritual health. Spiritual health, in particular, isn’t about being religious; it’s about the mind embracing spirituality. It opens our hearts to others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or backgrounds. Spirituality encourages inclusivity and calls us to treat others with kindness, regardless of their religion, region, caste, or creed. It’s about transcending the self and thinking beyond one’s own boundaries, starting with seeing others as part of ourselves. Spirituality takes different forms for different people, but it’s always rooted in compassion, acceptance, and understanding.
My spiritual journey over the weekend filled me with positivity and energy, empowering me to tackle the challenges of the year ahead. Hindu mythology, deeply intertwined with spirituality, offers many profound experiences. One such event is the Maha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival that takes place every twelve years, uniting millions of people. Such spiritual sojourns help us carve out moments for inner reflection and help us in deepening our connection with the divine. Spiritual awakening brings awareness of one’s actions and their effects on others, calming the mind while sharpening our alertness. It elevates our consciousness and broadens our ability to accept and embrace the world around us.