Monday, April 30, 2012

An Unnatural Death


Ever since I could remember he was there - strong, well built, arms open in welcome - and now, he is no more there... it pained me to no extend that the huge tree that provided shelter from rain and shine, which stood majestically along the roadside, with its branches stretched over to the other side of the road has now been cut and removed... The spot which was full of life suddenly has turned into a barren land!!!

Thanneer Panthal - meaning refreshment booth (or shade of tree in this case) - was a bus stop (named after the huge tree providing shade) en-route to my home from the humble town of Perinthalmanna. Placed somewhat in the middle of the distance from Perinthalmanna town and my own bus stop, the characteristic mark of Thanneer Panthal was the grandfather tree which formed a canopy on the road. It was a pleasing sight to behold the majestic splendour with which the tree stood, holding its head high. 

I must have passed by the tree at least a thousand times, if not more… I’ve always felt the cool shades of him on me, even if I was in the bus on my way to and from home. Many a times, I’ve paused under the massive branches of the tree to enjoy the cool shade and enjoyed waiting under its protective shades. Moreover, the pupils from the nearby college and school also used to find comfort and comradeship under its cover. 

It was as if the tree was there forever! I could never imagine the place without the tree. And now as the land lie naked and scarred with the stump of tree bleeding out its life, I feel as if a part of me has also dead… What used to be a lively spot is now bleak and dead – forever!

I know now that the tree was cut to accommodate the widening of the road and that it is only one among the hundreds that are mercilessly cut each day so as to felicitate development. Sadly, to a certain extent, it cannot be avoided as well. It is often told that if we cut one tree we should plant ten instead. But, it is alarming to note that there is hardly any land left to plant more trees. Presently, even if one wants to plant a tree for the one that was cut, there is no land available to do so. And soon a time will come when the barren land and arid days will force us to regret our thoughtless deeds; but by then, it would be too late!!!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Temples of Today

Temples provide with the easiest way to connect with God, especially to a person who has embarked on the journey to self realization and spirituality. They provide the much needed imagery to visualize God in a definite form, as well as the perfect ambiance to calm the mind and to connect with one's own self. I've often experienced tranquility and peace of mind by just being in the temple premises. And my favourite time of the day for a Darshan is the evening - the evening Arati and chanting of Mantras never fails to uplift my spirits. The walk back to home after the evening Darshan, as the day slowly turns into night, is one of the most relaxing and fulfilling experiences of my life.

I have had the good fortune of offering my oblations at many sacred altars - right from the humble village temple at my birth place to such holy places like Guruvayoor, Ayodhya, Kashi, Gokarna, Mookambika and Palani among others. Curiously, I found that the temples of Kerala were exuding more spiritual vibrations than any other... I have often found that it is easier to connect to the sense of devotion (Bhakti) and oneness with the Supreme Power here than in any other place.  Or should I say that it is easier to channelize the devotion that naturally overflows in one's being in the temples of Kerala?

All said and done, I am not a regular visitor of temple. It is mostly on special occasions - a temple festival, Bhagavata Sapthaham (spiritual discourse) and sometimes on the birthdays of some near and dear one - that I visit the temple. Of course, certain exceptions are always there. Sometimes, the urge for a Darshan is so powerful that one finds oneself drawn to the temple. That happens rarely...

Of late, as the politics of religion has changed, much has changed about temples too. What earlier was a medium of communication with one's own self and the Supreme Self, has - sadly - been transformed into money collection centres. The commercialization of temples is a painful reality of today.

A few days ago, I had an opportunity to visit the Golden Temple of Sripuram in Vellore. I had heard so much about the temple in the past few years that when I got a chance to visit the temple, I went happily. I went there with an open mind, with no presumptions at all. What I saw there was a grand display of wealth and self promotion of the founder of the temple. At every nook and corner, the pictures of the Godman (he is called Sri Sakti Amma - as he is believed to be a personification of Goddess Narayani) in Abhaya Mudra (gesture of blessing) could be found. It was shocking (at least for me) to see his photo in the Sanctum Sanctorum too.

Picture Courtesy: Google Images
Of course, Gurus are an essential part of spiritual growth. But they act as the lighthouse leading one onto the right path. What I saw in this particular case (in a short time period of a couple of hours) was unabashed promotion of the swami. It was also the costliest Darshan I ever had in my life in terms of money. Each ticket cost Rs. 250/- for a Darshan with out too much of queue and which allows one darshan from a point closer to the Sanctum Sanctorum. (I later learned that in temples like Tirupati the rates are much higher for a similar darshan) An added bonus is that a prasada kit - a colourful bag depicting the photo of swami - is given 'free' to such ticket holders. The kit contains some vibhuti, a sweet, a thread to be tied on the wrist, a photo of the presiding deity (invariably, the swami is standing right next to her) and a booklet on the history of swami and the temple.

Picture Courtesy: Google Images
The temple could be described at best as a beautiful building adorned in gold and decorated with numerous glittering crystal chandeliers - not the abode of God. Yes, the premises were neat and clean, there were some resting spots and toilet facilities (which was, to my surprise, free of cost) along the star shaped path leading to the temple. The temple itself was surrounded by a small pond on three sides and people threw coins and currency notes (ridiculous!) in the water. I could see some coins scattered down on the floor in the water and some ten/twenty rupee notes floating on the water...

Some VIPs were given preferential treatment and special Arati was performed for them. We reached near the Sanctum Sanctorum and sat down for a couple of minutes in a group of twenty or so while some rituals were performed. Then, the volunteer asked the Rs. 250/- ticket holders to go out as the value for their money had been realized. A few remained for further  poojas. I presumed that they had paid more and were eligible to attend more rituals.

On the way back to the exit, we had to pass through several counters that sold merchandise like CDs, Books, Photos, sarees and what not. I could see they were not leaving any stone unturned when it comes to marketing their products... Moreover, even in the base of the fountains, one could find heaps of coins lying in water. At last at the very end of the star shaped path I found out one good aspect of the whole system. Free Prasada for all - in a dried leaf bowl. It was something akin to upma (tasted real good too). Apart from that I could not see even a drop of water being offered free of cost there (of course, I might have missed noticing it).

All in all, it left a bad taste in my mind...Many questions came to my mind... Most are still unanswered. Money seems to be the only factor that counts everywhere. Sadly, even God is being dragged into this vicious circle. What once used to be holy and uplifting experience, now seems to be sacrilegious!!!

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to discredit or hurt anyone. I have not done a study of the social works (if any) carried out by the temple trust or the swami.This has been written as an observation as to how things have changed and not to malign anyone or any religious sentiments.
 

Homecoming

Hollow Words,
Harrowing Minds
I remain stranded
On shores untold;

While despair crept in,
A light kindled within...
Misery was a myth
Solitude, I was with;

Clarity took over
I was sure as ever;
Life's little trials
Can't put shackles...

Adversities subdued
Strength regained;
Into a world I know 
I come with life anew!


Image Courtesy: Google Images

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