The scriptures teach that all actions and activities must lead ultimately to non-attachment, for this is the best qualification for the development of the knowledge of Brahman. Of the three: devotion, wisdom, and renunciation (bhakti, jnana, and vairagya), devotion is the queen. The rules and rites are the maids-in-waiting; the queen treats her maids with kind consideration and favour, no doubt, but if the ceremonies, which are only “servants” and “aides”, disregard the queen, they should be mercilessly dismissed. All the formalities and rituals in the temples must therefore subserve the glorification of the queen, which is devotion; this is the sum and substance of the dharma that must direct and govern all temples. Only then can individuals reach the goal.

- Dharma Vahini, Ch 10.