Journal alamandrax's Journal: Are we buying God?!! 2
Ever go to a temple (Hindu) where there's no HunDi? Where the poojaarulu donot accept any form of dakshiNa? Then, you've been to Chilukur (the Balaji Temple) off Gandipet in Hyderabad India.
It's been estimated that on average about 1500 people visit this temple every day and about 150,000 every year (and forget Saturdays... the place is Packed!).
And not one Rupee is accepted from any of the devotees.The only way the priests (led by a retired Registrar of the Osmania University) gather funds is by sale of a 20-page magazine with discussions on religion, current affairs etc. In a time where every temple asks you to buy tickets to perform archana or abhishEkam (each ticket priced at Rs. 25-Rs.100), this might seem to be a bit of an injudicious move.
The Head Poojari, has gone public about the ills of commercialization of the religion. Of course, he wouldn't say giving dakshiNa at Tirumala is bad (because of the story behind that temple), but protests that other temples should not try to make money in the name of religion. Also, a temple where there's a complete absence of tickets, etc. would encourage everyone (not just the one's who can afford it) to embrace their culture and keep it going strong.
It's been estimated that on average about 1500 people visit this temple every day and about 150,000 every year (and forget Saturdays... the place is Packed!).
And not one Rupee is accepted from any of the devotees.The only way the priests (led by a retired Registrar of the Osmania University) gather funds is by sale of a 20-page magazine with discussions on religion, current affairs etc. In a time where every temple asks you to buy tickets to perform archana or abhishEkam (each ticket priced at Rs. 25-Rs.100), this might seem to be a bit of an injudicious move.
The Head Poojari, has gone public about the ills of commercialization of the religion. Of course, he wouldn't say giving dakshiNa at Tirumala is bad (because of the story behind that temple), but protests that other temples should not try to make money in the name of religion. Also, a temple where there's a complete absence of tickets, etc. would encourage everyone (not just the one's who can afford it) to embrace their culture and keep it going strong.
There's more to it than that. (Score:2)
A fascinating tale, and some stark questions for us Indians to ponder about; will post about it if you are interested.
Re:There's more to it than that. (Score:1)