It’s true; Indians are too devotional and religious. Their faith on religious belief cannot be questioned! What they want is blessings of gods and goddesses. Personally, I have nothing against their devotion and faith.Moreover, I've no right to judge them either. I too have some faith in some kind of belief.
Come to the point! My recent visit to Jagannath temple at Puri district in Odisha was really horrible. I’ll never forget the experience and feeling that I went through while entering the temple. One has to pass through various mental pressure just to get the simple glances of Lord Jagannath and two lords accompanying him (one is Subhadra, other I have no idea and did not try to know either).
The experience will last forever!! First and foremost, what I really didn’t like were so-called priests. The way they demand money or cash from visitors is really sickening and disgusting as if they are there to market the glimpse of gods! They demand money without giving any second thought, as if it is their birth right. You deny the demands; words of curse will follow you! Is it obligatory to offer money to the priests to get the glimpse the lords you want to pray to?
I didn’t give even a single penny to them ever after repeated demands and plea. Inside my heart I was really troubled for few minutes when the pundits almost cursed me and said, “Khaali haath aaya hai Khaali haath hi jayega”. Does one need to offer cash or wealth to get the quick look of the lords? It’s really very-very ridiculous and absurd.
It’s for sure, devotees will never put an end to their visit to the temple and those priests will never stop demanding money from the visitors.
Why too much commercialization in the name of Lord Jagannath? It is okay if one desires and willing to offer the money whatever amount he likes. But, demanding shamelessly did not go under my shoes. Each day lakhs and lakhs of devotees visit the temple. Most of them are god-fearing and will never dare to deny to pundits’ demands.
Finally, what does god mean? Does he recognize if someone is Hindu or Muslim or Christian or Buddhist? We have been taught since our childhood that he loves all equally. His love and affection is for all irrespective of communities but the most shocking thing that I saw and experienced was that it is clearly written that only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple premises.
I was also stopped (due to my chinky looks)for sometime and they inquired and asked where I was from and what my religion was!
What I want to say is, “If you are not religious pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaase do not visit Jagannath temple!!!!!!.”
