The human nature of getting trapped in maya while repenting for our sins is an unmanageable task. Living in a capitalist world, one finds it difficult to not fall into the trap of material comforts and live a life that gives pleasure. However, we must remember at all times that everything that happens in our life is the blessing of a Supreme being we must worship.
We can repent for our sins by begging for forgiveness from the Supreme Lord Krishna and by immersing ourselves in His service. These services may include associating with devotees living a life of Krishna consciousness, chanting the Lord Krishna’s Holy Name, participating in His Leela, serving the parts and parcels of Lord Krishna as well as donating for temple construction and thus purifying our own hard earned money.
In this article, we will further elucidate how giving donations for temple construction is an excellent form of ultimately serving the Supreme Lord Krishna and being entitled to His Blessings.
What Are the Major Features of a Temple?
Iskcon temples are dedicated to Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani. They have many devotional, amusement as well as educational opportunities to offer. The walls of these temples generally have carved wood or stones which portray certain stories of the religious texts to enlighten the visitors. There are also rooms for service renders and seminar halls where lectures about the pastimes of the Supreme Lord Krishna take place.
Certain Iskcon temples house museums which tell stories of the Sacred Hindu text Ramayana. Along with this, there can be found a peaceful ambiance to acknowledge inner peace in most of the Iskcon temples. Educational facilities are also provided for children and tourists to learn more about Lord Krishna and ways to serve Him.
Where Does the Temple Money Go?
The money given in a temple over the years has been used primarily in the maintenance of the temple. The fund collected via contribution for temple construction is utilized in building the infrastructure of the temple as well as, in smooth functioning of the temple.
Furthermore, it is also used for the upkeep of the priests who spread knowledge and guide the devotees. There are also certain material things that the temple has to buy and maintain, such as musical instruments, mics as well as other things such as some basic furniture which is ultimately used for the visitors only.
Why Should You Donate?
The reason behind building temples across different locations is to spread awareness and create an environment for the devotees to worship the Supreme Lord Krishna. When you donate for temple construction, you can enter into devotional services of a more tangible kind. It provides an opportunity for the fallen souls to regain a spiritual life by participation as well as charity. This charity gives people ajanta sukriti which refers to pious credit that is acquired unknowingly.
It has been stated in the Holy scripture Bhagavad Gita that:
“By installing the Deity of the Lord, one becomes king of the entire earth, by building a temple for the Lord, one becomes ruler of the three worlds, by worshipping and serving the deity, one goes to the planet of Lord Brahma, and by performing all three of these activities one achieves a transcendental form like My own. But one who simply engages in devotional service with no consideration of fruitive results attains Me. Thus whoever worships Me according to the process I have described will ultimately attain pure devotional service unto Me.”
Therefore, Lord Krishna has Himself stated the importance of constructing a temple which can help people in uplifting their stature in the spiritual world.
Additionally, it is also believed that someone who aids in mandir construction is entitled to the same results as performing Rajasuyayajna and Ashwamedha Yajna. It is said that a person who helps to build a temple of the Supreme Lord Krishna will be freed from all sinful reactions and will be bestowed with an opportunity to enter the Vaikuntha planets.
The Skanda Purana likewise states that “Just by starting the construction of a temple for Lord Krishna, sins committed in seven births will be wiped out and one will deliver his forefathers who are suffering in the hellish planets.” It also states that one can attain an eternal spiritual world also referred to as Vaikuntha by building a temple.
Therefore, contributing to Iskcon temple construction can be extremely fruitful in more ways than one can ever imagine. This service to the Supreme Lord Krishna can help one in attaining the blessings of the Supreme Lord and obtain a tangible sense of devotion which is otherwise impossible even after many many births of pious activities.
Final Thoughts
We often back out from serving the Supreme Lord Krishna, if we do not find the favorable means to do so. However, all that is really needed to serve Him is the willingness and determination to do so, and the doors open on their own by Krishna’s Supreme mercy. If you cannot engage in other activities of serving the Lord, contributing to the temple construction fund can be an easy way of doing the needful.
Contributing to temple construction is a very convenient way in which you can render your service. Additionally, you can also provide donations for temple renovation which serves the same purpose. It has become a rather easy process in the modern day with extended options of online donation for temple construction.
Many temples engage in putting an advertisement online when they need donations for temple construction. All it then takes is for you to make the payment thereby making your contribution in the service of the Lord and thus become a successful candidate to receive the Blessings of the Supreme Lord Krishna. The thought of how many people will be able to access the preachings of the Lord and engage in spiritual activities inside the temple you help build, is enough to excite a person.
By doing your bit, you can then leave the rest on the mercy and magic of the Supreme Lord Krishna. Engaging in such small activities can aid you in leading a life of Krishna consciousness and offer your service of your hard earned money in the right direction. A temple made with the contribution of different people can then help a plethora of individuals in coming together and chanting the Holy Name of the Lord and engage in other devotional activities together.
