When (my followers) on their way, come across temples of Shiv, and other deities, they shall bow down to them and have their darshan respectfully.
When (my followers) on their way, come across temples of Shiv, and other deities, they shall bow down to them and have their darshan respectfully.
Na Cha Kasya Api Devtaya Apamanana Na Karyetyha - the reason for this commandment is to prevent an insult to such deities from being committed. Shatanand explains that it is an insult to the Gods if we pass by a Deva Mandir and do not pay due respects to the deity. He insists that when passing temples (Deva-Mandirs) of Shiva, Devi, Ganesh etc. we must pay our respects - Shivalai Deviganeshadidevmandirani Syuaha.
Vashista Smruti explains, ‘Those who do not pay humble respects to a Deva Murti, a Sanyaas or a Yogi after passing are destined for Prayaschit.’ Therefore to prevent insult to the Gods and invoke their wrath, we must pay our respects through Darshan, Namaskar, Daan etc.
This Shloka shows the true greatness of the Lord. A truly brilliant Acharya of Sanatan Dharma, who accepted the fellowship of all major deities. He himself worshipped many of these deities through Pooja. We must follow this example set by the Lord and offer equal praise to such deities. We must never walk the path of disregarding any accepted deity.