The tradition of locking temples is associated with various religious and cultural reasons. Its purpose is not only related to security, but it also holds a religious, mental, and symbolic significance. Piece of the huge reasons are according to the accompanying:
Security Purpose
The primary reason is to ensure the safety of the puja items, donations, or idols of deities kept in temples. Priceless items and religious materials are kept in temples, which are locked to protect them from theft or any other kind of loss.
Sign Of God’s Presence
The tradition of locking many temples is associated with the feeling that when the lock is closed, it indicates the presence of God. This means that when the lock is closed, the attention of the god or goddess is focused and devotees can perform their worship with peace and meditation. When the lock is opened, devotees exit the temple after worship, leaving the deity.
Mental Peace And Meditation
By locking the temple, devotees enter a state of mental peace and meditation. Locking has a psychological and symbolic meaning—it signals the worshipper to leave their desires and worldly concerns outside so that they can just immerse themselves in the spiritual and religious experience.
Symbol of Sadhana and Penance
In some temples, locking is a tradition to symbolize penance or sadhana. Devotees lock their desires, sorrows, and worldly troubles in the lock and pray to God to bring peace and happiness to their lives. It can also be a form of spiritual renunciation, where devotees offer all their worldly desires to God.
Renunciation of Spiritual Desires
In Hinduism, there is a tradition of devotees putting a lock of their desires, sorrows, or problems in front of God. This is a symbolic act in which a person surrenders his or her desires or problems to God. Thus, locking is a symbol of giving up one’s desires or tensions and trusting God.
Locking During Special Occasions Or Worship
In many temples, locking is a tradition during special occasions or worship, such as when the temple priest or saint is performing special rituals. Locking ensures that there are no external disturbances during the puja and only the priest or competent person can perform the puja.
Conclusion
The tradition of locking temples is associated with various religious and cultural reasons, which are not only related to security but also serve as a mental, religious, and spiritual symbol. It makes the devotees feel meditation, balance, renunciation, and faith in God.