Originally Posted by
Aanandinii
Namaste Abirami ji,
I am saddened to read this. I hope one day in this birth to see all the Jyotirlingams. Maybe that might still happen, but each time I read experiences like this I think it's more likely that I have seen the one I had to and that is all I will see. Does it matter? Perhaps not, but then yatra to such places is such a large part of Hindu belief and culture that it's hard to tear away the idea that yes, it does indeed matter. 'If it is meant to happen it will', certainly. But if one is able to get there, (sometimes a miracle in itself), and are turned away, even with papers such as yours or EM ji's, it diminishes things in a way. I don't mean the good diminishing of the ego of the individual in question, it's hard to put into words.
If any person is lucky enough to be able to make the journey and especially if they correctly approach such a sacred place, sometimes over miles on bare feet etc., to then be turned away after all of that, for whatever reason, it feels to me as if it actually lessens the holiness of the location, as people are then forced to feel it is indeed not so important or they would have been allowed after all of that. I completely understand wanting to keep out tourists, but someone on pilgrimage and presenting themselves appropriately should be easy to pick out from the groups of people in shorts carrying cameras and cellphones. Particularly when one carries papers. And what of the non-believing tourists who happen to be Hindustani? It's not a new argument, I know.
In another thread Ram ji mentions Acharyas who have gone abroad not being allowed into inner sanctums, as if they are now somehow corrupt. Again, I'm surprised and saddened. And yet some of these same places can be paid enough to look the other way.
My deepest respect to you, EM ji, but I have to point out that the situation is not really the same for you. It will be easier for you simply because your form is male.
You are right of course, perhaps it doesn't matter. But then I ask why all this emphasis on important yatras, holy places that must be visited, why glorify their benefits and the necessity to do it if it doesn't really matter. I've been to a couple of places here at home where I have had strong experiences too, one has an Acharya Pandit who I am now sad for because if he ever gets to go home, it seems he will be considered impure. But the ages and ages and ages of built up energy from countless aartis and pujas and arcanas and yagyas and vedic chants, centuries of monastic practice and bhakti focused in one place... This is not something I will find here at home. So there is indeed a loss, to all of us. Does it diminish my belief, my faith, my love of Bhagavan? No. It makes me sad for Humanity and diminishes my faith in those who are supposed to be wiser. It diminishes the importance and significance of such sites, because "In the end it doesn't really matter". It isn't a good thing to promote the feeling of "Why Bother" in any devotees, and it shouldn't happen. Just one more example of the darkness of Kaliyuga.
I am sorry if I have offended any in saying any of this and hope that if so it is forgivable. This kind of subject always makes my heart hurt. Usually I can successfully let it go and avoid putting my metaphorical foot in my mouth. Not today, it seems.
~Pranam
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