Our weak Gods and strong devotees

Some things are in the news for all the wrong reasons. The omnipotent lord Ganesha in the Siddhivinayak temple happens to be one of these. Its been a while since the said terrorist threats against the temple, I haven't kept track of the time. Being a temple of such importance, it had to be protected, it was said. And so it was. A huge wall was built around the temple complex, footpaths for pedestrians were removed, traffic was diverted and a twenty four hour armed guard was established.

That, however, is not enough. Now, devotees are no longer permitted to offer coconuts or large garlands to the deity. Besides, as if the life of the residents isn't bad enough, it is proposed that the road be closed down to traffic for good. All this, in the name of the benevolent Lord Ganesha, a deity who never fails to grant what his devotees ask of him. One must wonder that if God now needs a safety net to avoid grenade from being flung in, how safe are any of us?

I've seen a similar scenario at Akshardham, New Delhi. While the temple is fantastic, the entry procedures betray such a strong sense of paranoia, that is puts you off from wanting to go there. They virtually make you strip, even after you deposit innocuous items like pen knives! Is this what it has finally come to? That we cannot even look up to God even to protect himself, let alone us?

Anyway, getting back to Siddhivinayak, rumour has it that they will soon be allocated protection by the Indian Army itself. As we speak, three tanks, five medium machine guns and two fighter planes (some Sukhoi variant) are on their way to protect this landmark. Any devotee to gain access will have to do a one time registration, where he will need to provide proof of identity, residence and bring two witnesses. Then, before each darshan, he must inform 24 hours in advance. When he comes, he must strip naked, pass through a metal detector, X-ray and MMR machine, and then wear special gowns which allow no concealment of weaponry or dangerous goods. Once inside, you must march straight to the idol, no stopping, bow once, and leave from the right exit within 60 seconds of entry, failing which you may be brought down by sniper fire.

Now, now. Don't complain. It is very necessary. If you want to crib, go to a lesser powered Ganesha or pray in your own home. But wait a second. Isn't the omnipotent, omniscient God present everywhere, in equal strength provided you have the faith? Naah. Siddhivinayak Ganesha is waaaay stronger. You have to go there. We enjoy having you here. Please come next time.