It was really a great feeling. Firstly, I was placed in Bangalore for my Dealership Training. Secondly, I got really good company to be with. I was to see a bit of south India. I also saw some places here in. But the joy was a bit overshadowed by something that really put me in thoughts.
Last week I visited some of the well known temples in south India. I went on a package tour to the holy pilgrimage with one of my friend. I was excited. We had to get the login tickets for the “darshanam” in the early morning. There were 2 types of entries. One was free and the other was “special” by paying Rs 50. Here, we thought we ll go in special line, as it wud b a type of donation to temple and may be v ll move in quickly for the “darshanam”.
But the time for darshan was late in the night (around 10 pm; v reached there around 5 in the morning). So we were taken to some nearby renowned temples. The 1st place. Wat I saw? Three categories of darshan: Free, Rs 500, Rs 1000. I was spellbound. I cud not make out y have they done this? But still I saw people going for Rs 500 and 1000 lines.
Next place. The price for darshan was still more, upto Rs 1500. and people were eager to pay for it.
In the eve, we got ready for out main Darshan. We went there. I saw there were two lines, free and the Rs 50. We entered our chosen line. Waited for our turn. Friends, u wont believe, it was nearly half a kilometer long line to wait in. We moved ahead a bit. We saw another line coming in. when asked about it, some guys in that line told, “we paid Rs 1500 to get in this line.” Just to wait for less time for the darshan, they paid 1500 bucks. And believe me friends, all the lines (free and all paid) end up in a single line at the main entrance of the temple!!
So for what people pay for the darshan?? Just to wait for less time?? I ask, if they don’t want to wait, then they could not have even come. This is all owed to today’s fast and furious life. There are people who wait for hours in the lines to get just a view of the Lord’s idol, and some others just come at their will, pay and pray before the waiting ones. Ask yourself a question friend: “Does God demand this?”
Of course, certainly not.
Next place. The price for darshan was still more, upto Rs 1500. and people were eager to pay for it.
In the eve, we got ready for out main Darshan. We went there. I saw there were two lines, free and the Rs 50. We entered our chosen line. Waited for our turn. Friends, u wont believe, it was nearly half a kilometer long line to wait in. We moved ahead a bit. We saw another line coming in. when asked about it, some guys in that line told, “we paid Rs 1500 to get in this line.” Just to wait for less time for the darshan, they paid 1500 bucks. And believe me friends, all the lines (free and all paid) end up in a single line at the main entrance of the temple!!
So for what people pay for the darshan?? Just to wait for less time?? I ask, if they don’t want to wait, then they could not have even come. This is all owed to today’s fast and furious life. There are people who wait for hours in the lines to get just a view of the Lord’s idol, and some others just come at their will, pay and pray before the waiting ones. Ask yourself a question friend: “Does God demand this?”
Of course, certainly not.
Is there a dire need even to stand in lines waiting for the darshan (that too just for 5-10 seconds)??? I say no.May be people think by doing so, one may come closer to God. Instead, one can perform their daily duties at his best and come closer to The Almighty, I say. Instead of giving time in queues, one can carry out some productive work. This would certainly help himself and his family, and many others too.
I mean if having a darshan is the only motive, the same can be done at our home too. Can’t it be so?
People give donations to the temples according to their capability. But I say, one can help the people who are actually in need.
May be the funds collected in the temples used for the betterment of the temple and the surroundings, but I have seen less development of the people.
Development of the temple compounds and surroundings will not lead to the betterment of humanity, but inculcating values in the people would certainly help. Building up huge monuments, temples and structures does not signify growth of people.
I am sorry to anyone whose sentiments are hurt by this blog. But this is what I wanted to express. I know I had been there too, waiting in the lines, but throughout the whole path to the main “darshan” my mind was continuously stroking: “why have I come here?”
And today I came to know the answer: “so that I can convey this to all those who read this….”
Tell me friends, is it worth Pay to Pray??
I mean if having a darshan is the only motive, the same can be done at our home too. Can’t it be so?
People give donations to the temples according to their capability. But I say, one can help the people who are actually in need.
May be the funds collected in the temples used for the betterment of the temple and the surroundings, but I have seen less development of the people.
Development of the temple compounds and surroundings will not lead to the betterment of humanity, but inculcating values in the people would certainly help. Building up huge monuments, temples and structures does not signify growth of people.
I am sorry to anyone whose sentiments are hurt by this blog. But this is what I wanted to express. I know I had been there too, waiting in the lines, but throughout the whole path to the main “darshan” my mind was continuously stroking: “why have I come here?”
And today I came to know the answer: “so that I can convey this to all those who read this….”
Tell me friends, is it worth Pay to Pray??
