The Temple with Silver Doors

Its a classic case of man's incessant attempts towards crossing the materialism line.

There is a lovely little temple of Lord Hanuman on my usual route to office. Until recently, it used to be sweet and calming, with a rustic look and an earthen compound surrounding it. Beautiful earthen lamps were lit every evening, and the sound of bells during aarti (prayer) would soothe the anxiety of a work day if passing by it during that hour.

And then, suddenly, one day quite recently.. God (and me) faced the tyranny of misguided values of materialism. A 'happy' devotee on the fulfillment of some prayer, spent money to get it repainted with bright white oilpaint, and replace the wooden doors with doors made out of silver! Well, it doesnt stop there. Silver doors will need theft protection, so the temple now has a paid guard all 24 hours... well.. guarding GOD!! Hmm.. not exactly God, but his "silver doors".

I have also noticed they've put some jewellery on the God.

And gone are the earthen lamps.. only to be replaced with gaudy fluorescent colorful lamps. The sweet bells have been replaced by prerecorded bells tinkle and dhol (drums) rythym and the deafening cacophony is switched on during an aarti, adding to the already troublesome noise pollution.

It cuts through my heart to see this happen. Though being one of those who visit a temple only when in need, Lord Hanuman temples have been a source of peace for me whenever I've needed it. The earthen lamps and the glow of a flickering flame, sweet tinkle of the bells, the openness.. all of these elements are so soothing. Now usually behind locked doors and under the aegis of a guard, it is not too different from visiting a jewellery store. Funny to think man can please God with gold and silver, and with oilpaints and fluorescent lights and electric cacophony, isn't it? There are such better ways to spend wealth, and to be religious *sigh*

And yes, I no longer visit that temple. I doubt if God does either.