The Fire and The Flowers

Both fire and flowers are used extensively in temples. There are two primary events utilizing them in Lord’s service: ho:mam and va:hana se:va.

The role of fire in Ho:mam

Ho:mam is the process of serving God through agni, fire. Priests collect various elements symbolizing earthly possessions. Relevant mantras are chanted, inviting agni devatha [a divine soul in God’s administration] to receive these as offerings. He is requested to dedicate them to God, the source of all existence referred to in Vedas as Srimannarayana! Thus, this is an indirect service to God.

agnistha Sri:manna:ra:yana idam

(a mantra signifying that the service is being offered to God, the in-dweller of agni, fire)

The role of flowers in Va:hana Se:va

Va:hana Se:va, serving God (in deity form) while he is seated honourably on a vehicle such as the Sun, a Horse, a Chariot, the Moon etc. and orbiting Him around the temple daily
This se:va is a beautiful representation of how a body (the vehicle used in the se:va), the soul (indwelling life), and God (the supreme entity, thatthva that bonds the soul with a body) exist eternally
During va:hana se:va, God moves, carried by various devotees. To maintain cleanliness (suchi), He is then offered a divine shower (thirumanjanam also known as abhishekam) chanting relevant mantras and using sacred herbal elements
After the divine shower, flowers with pleasant fragrance and appearance are offered to God, each as a representation of various qualities within us to be dedicated through se:va to God; only then, the flowers (qualities/skills in us) are said to have fulfilled their existence
The entire service is a direct service to God who is easily accessible to everyone in deity form at temples and in our homes