I’m writing this post on the eve of an important festival in South India-Varamahalakshmi Pooja. A prayer carried out to invoke the blessings of the Goddess of wealth, as per Hindu mythology- Goddess Lakshmi. Sometimes I wonder, does the Lord really expect such mindless rituals from His devotees? I’m sure not. Then how did such festivals come into being?
This is clearly the handiwork of the priests who existed several centuries ago. They devised occasions for having poojas so that people call them to perform the rituals involved, and their livelihood, in the form of dakshina is taken care of. Also, it results in a benefit to the society in general, because it gives business to various industries-garments, florists, jewelers, sweet makers and the likes. It’s very common for big shops to have discount sales during festivals like this to lure the public into buying stuff. To incentivize the general public to celebrate these festivals, there are also certain rules to be followed, like wearing a brand new silk saree, new gold jewellery to be bought and then inviting the women of the neighborhood to show them off!
If someone as dim-witted as me can realize this, why aren’t the others realizing things which are so evidently foolish? Some argue that at the end of the day, festivals are a reason to get together and celebrate. But why do we need an excuse to celebrate? Every day can be a day of celebration, if one desires. Chanting some mantras which no one understands is a sham of the highest order and by no means, does that make one a good human being. Mantras, no doubt are powerful and the vibrations are said to be beneficial in inculcating a clean and healthy mind, but this is only if done in utmost concentration. Superficial chanting of mantras, with thoughts of the people and situations around serves no purpose whatsoever. In fact, that is why I refuse to believe that prayer can be done collectively. Having people around you is a distraction and the spirit of godliness just vanishes.
Sitting up there in heaven, God must be laughing at us lesser mortals and at our attempts to please Him. As a saying goes, blind faith is poor gift to give to the Creator of human intelligence. We should stop considering God as a normal human being and trying to please Him for selfish motives. God is far beyond all this and each one gets what he deserves.
Nevertheless, the views expressed above are solely my opinion and I’m sure there are several others who think otherwise. Each one to his own! Wishing all the believers a happy festive season and for the rest, happy holidays!
