Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi yesterday announced in the Asembly that there would be no special treatment for VIPs in temples in the State henceforth. No parivattam (a silk cloth tied around the head as a mark of honour) and no poorna kumbham (pot of flowers) would be offered to welcome them. This was the DMK government's effort to ensure that there was "equality of all before God".
In December last year, the Kerala High Court ordered that there should not be any special queue for VIPs to have a darshan of Lord Ayyappa in front of the sanctum sanctorum in Sabarimala because it blocked the vision of pilgrims standing in the regular queue.
Question: Should all temples in all States ban VIP treatment? Even if it is the President or Prime Minister? Even if it is a rich businessman who donates a crown of diamonds? Is such a move reasonable or is it impractical because temples have become power centres in their own right? Or are some more devotees more equal in the eyes of God?
There is a cute story about why VIPs need security guards—not to protect the politicians from terrorists but to protect us, the people, from the politicians. Going by that logic, it is better if we have a VIP line at temples. At least that way, they will come to the temple and go away without creating too much of a fuss, without exposing us to whoever is trying to attack them. There is no point wondering if we are all equal before God. Of course, we are, but we are not equal in the eyes of the temple committees, which are stuffed with politicians and other favour-seekers who will do anything to sidle up to those in power or those who are rich. And who will do anything to earn a few more millions by charging more for VIP queues and special darshans.
There is no problem for Amma. Long arm of Kaliagar will not extend up to Chamundi Hill. Only problem will be our Mandya farmers. Will they allow their own mandyam Iyengar Amma to visit Mysore without any fan fare and Police protection OR will they take a leaf out of Gujaratis ( AAmir episode) !
sequel to jeevarathna’s piece, mandyam Iyengar Amma hesitates to come to Bangalore. Will she dare enough to come to Chamundi Hill ? Perhaps Jeearathna’s reasons must be true regarding Mandya farmers Is it why her previous visit to Chamundi Hill was kept a close guarded secret till her safe departure. Keep ti up Jeevarathna.
The development of temple is solely dependent on devotees.
There are major contributing devotees and there are poor devotees too. But the devotee who contributes raises himself saying that ‘he’ is donating. As long he says ‘he’ he expects some regards for him. By ignoring him the temple development is at loss. He opts for temple where he is reverred. So a person who is interested in developing the temple, respects him and tries to treat him special
So, who is the VIP? Is it not a Chief Minister who visits a famous Temple? Is it not the High Court judge who again, might visit a famous shrine? Is it not enough that these worthies unavail themselves of all special treatment?
Who are these louts to dictate what should or should not be done in Hindu Temples? Let devotees and patrons decide that.
These Temples are for Hindus and Hindus must decide. Not some Secular gang!