It will spellbind you after having a mind-boggling journey which should rather be called a way towards divinity. One of the biggest and richest temples in the world, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is situated in the southern part of India. This temple is erected over a mountain where Lord Venkateshwara is said to be dwelling. The city Tirupati is situated between two states of southern India, sharing its stretch at one side with Tamil Nadu and another with Andhra Pradesh. But it welcomes people from all over the world. In the midst of the early dawn we have reached the Tirupati railway station. It was a pristine environment where we could feel a calm weather and pure air to breathe, which were accompanied by mesmerizing beautiful Tirumala Mountains. In between all beautiful environ, such a massive temple stood majestically at one peak. It takes more than less than an hour by walk to reach the peak, compared to other transportation it takes approximately one hour. But to reach this holy, divine place by walk is more blissful as it makes one feel wholeheartedly contented. After reaching the top of the world's richest temple it feels entirely like a whole city is existing over there on the top.
We went through a line of 'special darshan' which had a huge rush and was roaring. And finally reached after crossing several security checks and holding backs. It was only for few seconds that we saw the idol from a long distance as everybody was pushing one another and fighting their way ahead. The moment we crossed the idol from a distance, I simply felt nothing. It would seem like a comment from an atheist. I couldn’t feel there is something in front of my eyes which led me to reach the top of the peak. And thought the whole way what had forced me to come all the way till here crossing several miles.
I believe it is a way to divinity within ourselves which forces us to find ourselves. The divinity flows within every soul which holds everyone together and revolves around the entire world. It is our inner consciousness and moral conscience which is the way towards divinity. We can’t move without our own will. Such highest will to do something is true divinity inside us. I could see each and every class and caste of people reached there without any restrictions. We found a divine way to bind everyone in one huge gigantic place and constructed such a mammoth structure. This place has turned lives of so many people. As it is giving lives to several people. It has an elaborate networked security system which is efficient to prevent any gruesome stampedes where innumerable people hoard to get one glimpse or darshan.
Such a path of divinity is immensely botched up by the dissemination of Brahmanical dogmas along with preaching of its self-purificatory practices by inculcating in minds of people. It also professes giving up our hair to Lord Balaji since it is said to have a mythological significance towards it. The legend goes that once Lord Balaji was hit on his head by a shepherd and a small portion of his scalp became bald. It was noticed by Gandharva princess Neela Devi# who felt that "such an attractive face should not have a flaw". She instantly gives a portion of her hair and with her magical power she implanted it on his scalp. Lord Balaji noticed her sacrifice. As hair is a beautiful aspect of the female, he promised her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence, it is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. Here one of the Tirumala mountains is named after her as Neeladri mountain.
It was a past mythological story. But now it needs to be understood in a political economy perspective as hair donation+ has become a trade, which is traded to China, Africa, Europe and America. Don’t know Lord Balaji have granted us to sell our hair to international markets? Temples in south India always revolved around the context of political economy. It was right from the ancient and medieval ages when it was a source of several things as it provided education, employment etc. If we look at the brighter side of such donations it is immeasurable. As everyday it collects several millions which are invested over educational, hospital, employment, temple infrastructure, free transportation & accommodation for devotees and many more. If such donation helps to raise hospitals and universities then it is better than paying tax to government.
With the end of darshan we are offered very delicious and savoring Tirupati Ladoos. Rumour has it that this secret recipe cannot be availed anywhere outside the temple. And after that people can move towards free Bhojanalaya for every one regardless of caste and class.
“It is our inner consciousness and moral conscience that was the way towards divinity.”
* Ramamurthy, K., Rao, D. M., & Pullaiah, T. (2002). Flora of Eastern Ghats: Hill Ranges of South East India, Volume 1. Delhi: Regency Publications.
#Sitapati, P. (1998). Sri Venkateswara Swamy Tirumala: Worship, Utsavams and Festivals . Delhi: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Insightful!
ReplyDeleteMakes for a beautiful and a delightful read.
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