For adīkṣitas (the uninitiated), dhūrtas (rogues), birds, animals & trees; to remove their ills & confer good upon them; utsavas are necessary.
This is from Mahotsava-Paṭala of Śrīmat-Uttarakāraṇāgama. The śloka is often cited by learned Śivācāryas in the context of explaining the importance of temples in every town.
Sure, they are for the benefit of Dīkṣitas & Bhakta-s in general. But at least they have immediate access to Śiva’s grace by virtue of the blessings they have. A Dīkṣita initiated into the Śaiva wisdom has his daily rites; the Bhakta has Śiva’s name on his lips.
But what about others? Although Śiva’s grace is omnipresent, it is not readily accessible for all. That the Āgama mentions those less fortunate classes first shows its profound concern for the well-being of those who stand removed from an immediate access to Śiva’s grace.
But what about others? Although Śiva’s grace is omnipresent, it is not readily accessible for all. That the Āgama mentions those less fortunate classes first shows its profound concern for the well-being of those who stand removed from an immediate access to Śiva’s grace.
For this reason, so that the mantras residing with Śiva & mediating His grace to us do not withdraw from us due to the bondage & impurities we exhibit, purificatory rites are performed for the mūrti when the utsava is over & the mūrti returns back to the temple.