While delivering a discourse, the revered Garikapati Narasimha Rao garu shared an interesting observation:
A devotee once asked him, "Among the many types of temples, why are Siva's temples always so crowded?"
He replied, " Close your eyes for a moment and visualize a picture of the Siva family—whether one you have at home or one you have seen elsewhere. Lord Siva sits there with a gentle smile. Goddess Parvati sits close to Him, her head resting almost upon His shoulder. Vinayaka and Kumaraswamy sit nearby; often, one of them is even seated in the Mother's lap.
Looking at them feels just like looking at a family photograph of one's own eldest maternal uncle or paternal uncle.
Visiting a Siva temple feels like visiting the home of such an uncle; it brings peace of mind. That is why people frequent Siva temples," he said.
It struck me as a truly wonderful explanation.
It occurred to me that Siva is easily accessible to His devotees (Bhakta-sulabha). When someone approaches Him, He does not dwell on how corrupt they might have been or how many people they might have hurt—those matters are for others to address later. Instead, Siva simply asks, "My dear one, what brings you here?" and listens to their troubles with compassion, offering solace.
Just a short distance away sits the Mother—the embodiment of boundless compassion (Avyaja-karuna-murti)—wearing a gentle smile. Her face radiates a serene, beaming smile. She embodies the quality of Sattva (purity and goodness); anger never touches Her. One is comforted and sent on their way with the assurance to leave all troubles behind; the mind finds peace.
As one moves forward, one beholds Lord Vinayaka—who ensures that all tasks proceed smoothly and without obstacles—Lord Subrahmanya Swamy, who constantly protects us from danger, and Nandi, the embodiment of Dharma.
What does a living being need more than mental peace? This is found in a Siva temple. There is no doubt about it.
The general feeling is mostly poor and middle class people visit Siva temples frequently.
May all this be offered to Lord Siva.
Subhamastu