Active Blogs | Popular Blogs | Recent Blogs

gopal singh's Blogs >> ponder over it Darshan of the Lord Venkateswara

It is universally known fact that The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam at Tirupati is a world famous temple. Millions of people particularly Hindus from all over the world take the darshan of the Lord Venkateswara popularly known as Kaliyugadaivam, every year. About 40,000- 50,000 devotees visit the temple every day. The number may be more on important days like festivals, New Year days, etc.
Dr.Soundararajan, the chief priest of Chilukur Balaji temple, Hyderabad addressing a gathering came out with a slogan ‘Govindudu Andarivadu’,that means the Lord belongs to every one and does not exclusively belong to the people who are wealthy and powerful. He further exhorted that if this trend of providing special darshan to them continues for some more time to the exclusion of the common people there is a danger of distancing them (common people) from the temple. In order to make the people in authority to understand this, ‘padayatra’ (walking on foot to the temple) was scheduled to be conducted. This idea not only enhances the faith in the authorities but also enhances the respect for the ‘temple maryada’. This is a good idea.
Time and again, we have been seeing that when VVIPS/VIPs like the president, the vice-president, the prime minister, the ministers, the governors, the judges of all courts including the supreme court if India and other dignitaries including business tycoons, film actors and actresses visit the temple. Common gentry waiting in the queues become the ultimate victims.
There is bound to be abnormal delay for the darshan. As a result, old people, women, children and ailing persons take the brunt. Nobody has any grouse if the VIPs and all such other people go in queues. But the problem is they can not go in queues due to their popularity and security reasons. The problem is really serious. That being the case, some viable solution has to be found out. What arrangements are made at chilukur? When things are moving smoothly at that temple, why not at Tirupati? No doubt Tirupati Balaji temple is a big temple, but suitable arrangements can also be made at this temple in a phased manner if the concerned authorities are determined.
One idea strikes to my mind. We know that the temple is open on all days in a year. The days in a month may be divided in such a way that there is no clash between the VIPs and common people. For instance the common visitors may be allotted 27 or 28 days in a month and the remaining 2 or 3 days may be allotted to the VIPs. The entry for the common visitors should be blocked on these 2 or 3 days. The idea is not to segregate people but is meant to provide provision for smooth functioning. All those above mentioned VIPs should invariably make use of these 2 or 3 days only. They should not be allowed on other 27 or 28 days (meant for general public) in a month under any circumstances. Exemption may be given for VVIPs like the president/the vice-president, the prime minister of India and any other foreign dignitaries.