Temple Traditions: Why do people never turn their backs towards God after visiting the temple? Know the deep reason behind this

Whenever we go to a temple to have darshan of God, we often see a special thing. After offering prayers in the sanctum sanctorum, the devotees do not immediately turn back and walk, but come out with reverse steps. That is, they do not turn their backs on God until they leave the temple premises or the sanctum sanctorum.

This is not just a centuries-old blind tradition, but there are very deep religious, spiritual, mental and practical reasons hidden behind it. Let us understand in simple words what are the reasons behind turning back after darshan:

1. Feeling of supreme respect and reverence towards God

In our Indian culture, respecting elders, parents and teachers is considered the first religion. Just as we do not turn our back and run away from a respected or big person after talking to him, similarly God is the master of the entire creation. Suddenly turning your back and walking away from them is considered a sign of disrespect. Until we come out of the temple premises, our attention and face remain towards God, which shows our true devotion.

2. To absorb positive energy within yourself

Both science and spirituality believe that the sanctum sanctorum and idol place of the temple is a huge center of positive energy. When we stand before God with folded hands, that sacred energy enters our body and aura. If we turn away immediately after darshan, the natural flow of that energy gets disrupted. The symbolic meaning of coming out with reverse steps is that we are saving that divine peace, strength and blessings within ourselves and taking it home.

3. Destruction of ego and pride

Simply turning one’s back and walking away sometimes reflects a person’s unconscious ego—as if the work is over and we can move on. On the contrary, taking a step backwards slowly reveals our humility and submission. This tradition reminds humans that our existence is very small in front of God and whatever we have is because of His grace.

4. Maintaining focus and concentration of mind

As soon as a person turns his back to go out of the temple, his attention immediately becomes entangled in worldly matters—such as shoes and slippers standing outside, vehicles or everyday worries. But when we step back looking at the idol of the Lord, our attention remains on the idol till the last moment. Due to this, the immense mental peace gained in the temple remains in the mind for a long time.