HDG SRILA PRABHUPADA ON ALTAR

Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acarya of ISKCON, emphasized the significance of constructing and maintaining altars as sacred spaces for worshiping the Supreme Lord. His teachings regarding altars can be summarized as follows:

According to Srila Prabhupada, the Lord's altar is considered His palace, and the temple is His place of residence. Devotees should approach the temple with respect, dressed in clean clothing, wearing tilaka and tulasi neck beads, and engaging in the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.14.35, purport).

Srila Prabhupada stressed the importance of worshiping the Deity with care and ensuring that the temple remains clean at all times (Letter to Madhudvisa, May 17, 1972).

He advised that deity worship should be performed in the same manner as he demonstrated, encouraging his followers to emulate his example (Letter to Bali-mardana, October 26, 1971).

Furthermore, Srila Prabhupada explained that true devotional service extends beyond mere observances such as weekly darshana, listening to discourses, performing arati, or offering food. While these practices may be attractive to devotees, the highest standard of devotional service involves being engaged in loving service to the Lord with a transcendental consciousness (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.23, purport).

In conclusion, Srila Prabhupada highlighted the importance of cleanliness, devotion in worship, and adherence to prescribed rituals and standards when engaging in deity worship. He emphasized that the altar is a sacred space where sincere devotees can express their love and devotion to the Supreme Lord.