The Wall Street Journal has a story on the Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad. The temple has been around for over 100 years, but it’s only in the last few years that it has discovered its USP: as the abode of the Visa God.
Technical colleges have sprung up around it; as many as 100,000 visitors a week come to pray to Lord Balaji for visas to travel or move to the United States and other Western countries; and its head priest Gopala Krishna tells students to go around the temple 11 times if they want their visa wishes fulfilled.
“Mohanty Dolagobinda is one of the Visa God’s believers. Three years ago, a US consulting company applied for a visa on his behalf. It was rejected.
“When the company tried again the following year, Dolagobinda’s friends told him to visit the Chilkur Balaji temple ahead of his interview at the US consulate. Weeks later, he sailed through the interview. “I’ve never heard of anyone who’s gone to the temple whose visa got rejected,” says Dolagobinda.”
Of course, it is wrong to question blind faith, or make fun of it, but do we need God’s help to get to God’s Own Country? Is He booking profits by blessing those who could help Him later? Can a temple really have such influence on matters temporal and diplomatic? From where does Balaji’s hold over the State Department stem? Is it only H1B or B1B2, too?
Or is it just silly superstition?
On second thoughts, is there anything to lose by praying? Does Lord Venkateshwara love us so much that he wants us to depart His soil and shores? Soon, will we have immigration officers at the US consulates having a faint smile on their faces when asking: “Who is sponsoring your trip?”
Read the full article: Divine intervention? Indian seek help from Visa God
Also read: How Big B has pushed India to a regressive low
Can Sai Baba make Shashi Tharoor win?
Is Sachin Tendulkar‘s superstition good?
Link courtesy S.K. Shama Sundara
churumuri 
Stupid fools.
“I’ve never heard of anyone who’s gone to the temple whose visa got rejected,” – Yeah, right! Getting a visa is as easy as going to the temple.
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http://www.infantjesusmysore.com/miracleReported.html
Similar stuff, in your own backyard.
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There is a separate department in Vatican which produces “proof” so “Miracles” can be established. That department came to Malda District of West bengal to find ‘proof’ so Teresa can be cannonised.
Problem is, the local Govt Hospital doctor who treated the patient (supposedly cured by Saint Teresa) is on record saying: the patient got cured because she was under treatment of local Govt Hospital.
All religions has traditions – small, miracles and mature philosphy. Its not limited to Hinduism alone. Even top authority like Vatican are engaged in producing them!
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no wonder they call it the H1-B ( H1- Balaji ) visa
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This reminds me of the Ganapati Temple on kasturba Road in bangalore where people used to take new vehicles. You would never have an accident if you took your car to this Ganapati. Faith is a crutch for those who lack in self belief. What’s the harm if a temple prospers every time an IT company shops a body?
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“Does Lord Venkateshwara love us so much that he wants us to depart His soil and shores?”
All the three world’s is of the Lord’s.
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Lord Balaji shows he is across shores, by taking you there , or where you want. :)
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