sabarimala pilgrimage is unique in many ways. it is one place where equality is practised not only preached. every pilgrim is a an ayyappan. nothing to distinguish the welathy , the learned , the powerful from the rest. all wear the black robes and carry the the two bags. a rare sight of a million human beings moving with one mind chanting same mantras.
sabarimala pilgrimage is characterised by yet another great feature . during the pilgrimage and the preparatory days one is not supposed to feel negative emotions like anger or behave badly not only with fellow pilgrims but any one on the street. even if you try deliberately to pick a quarrel with a sabarimala pilgrim he will simply say he is an ayyappan and walk away.
sabarimala pilgrim is the embodiment of many other noble traits. compassion, empathy, concern are all hallmarks of an ayyappan. not to talk of restraint and sacrifice .
now read the reports of the tragedy on the makara vilakku eve. ayyappans vying with each other to catch an auto to go back in luxury. shop keepers beating ayyappans and some of the ayyappans retorting in the same coin. ayyappans trampling and walking over fellow ayyappans.
should we doubt that genuine faith is missing ? is sabarimala pilgrimage becoming another festival to show off and enjoy ?
is makaravilakku tragedy a failure of faith ? an omen of the decline and a divine invitation to mend our ways and avoid the fall ? a godsend ? ഒരു നിമിത്തം ?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment