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Posted on: Oct 31, '08

Luck pushed too hard!

Siddhhi Gajanan was a Deity that fulfilled the aspirations of all who came to its abode. It’s here that people from all over India would come to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. At the root was their belief, that Lord Ganesha would never leave any of their wish unfulfilled. And true to its reputation, many received His blessings, either in the form of a promotion or a flourish in their business, even finding the right groom for the girl. Why, even the Flower and Coconut sellers outside the temple found a new vista to sell their goods and flourish in business, thus enhancing their lives!

On any given day, one could see long queues of devotees but Tuesday would be special, as it was known to be most auspicious to receive His blessings. It was on this day that devotees queued from previous night, to enable them an early entry in to the temple. The first Aarti at four a. m. would usher in another day at this temple.

Volunteers were a great asset to Siddhhi Gajanan temple. Their undaunted and selfless service came in handy to keep the crowd disciplined. Savitri was one such volunteer. Managing her home and a job, she would come to work here as part of her service to the humanity. Being here, she felt closer to Him. He had given her more than she could have asked for. Her husband Satish, who worked as a Security guard at the temple was also a devotee of Lord Ganesha.

It was early morning when Satish resumed for work, he was asked to supervise the “Gabhara” or the area where the shrine of Ganesha was. There were two entrances to the Gabhara and Satish was standing in the centre, guiding devotees that came in from both the sides. The whistle ready to go, a stick in his hand, he moved his hands to press the line on, maneuvering the devotees with such dexterity; he resembled a Traffic Police on duty!

For Satish, managing the crowd was routine and he would do his job with great intensity. Savitri loved her husband for his commitment and verve. For her, he was just what she wished for, as a life partner. True, Satish would feel being a graduate, he was worth more than being just a Security guard and he should be making more money. But she would console him by saying one day; He will hear his plea. The hand of Lord Ganesha was upon her.

It was almost noon when the temple doors were being closed for a short while. The shrine was flooded with heaps of garlands and flowers. The temple would remain closed for fifteen minutes, in which time, the shrine would be tidied, coconuts and other such offerings would be packed neatly, floors would be mopped and “Purohits” who performed the Pooja, would change duty.

As usual, Satish looked all around the floor with anticipation. It wasn’t difficult for him to spot saw luminous piece of jewelry in a corner. It shimmered with opulence. Quietly he went up to it, picked it and slid inside his pocket. As usual no one noticed… or so he thought. As he looked up, he saw a man in a Safari suit, looking him in the eye. Satish didn’t recognize him, still, he went up to him and handed him the piece of jewelry.

Satish didn’t know this new guy in Safari suit. For that matter he didn’t know the earlier guy too, who would come to collect the articles found after the Darshan. He was only familiar with the Safari that he wore anyway! Before Satish could say anything, the man spoke.

“So! You seem to be taking your job a bit too seriously hunh? How many times have I told you not to discipline the crowd! Let them push, pull in all directions. It’s their unruly behavior that we are banking upon. The more they become disorderly, the more things they will drop! And remember, if you keep neglecting orders in this manner, I shall have you put on night petrol…and believe me, I will do it one day. Don’t forget, you are newly married!”

“Yes Sir, but…old habits die hard Sir, but… I will try…” Satish was clearly apologetic.

“Your collection for the past month is very poor you know? I must see improvement in you and your collection soon”. The Safari guy continued.

“I know Sir but that other guy who used to come for collections until today…” Satish was trying to explain.

“What about him? He was happy with your work, is it?” The safari man said mockingly!

“No no…not that exactly but he didn’t complain either…Satish was sheepish in his tone.

“Hmm…so how long this guy has been collecting such articles from you…?” Satish was rattled with that question!

As he was about to answer, Satish saw the old Safari guy across the street. He was waving at him animatedly and saying something but Satish couldn’t understand a word of it. Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was the new guy holding Satish by the collar!

“And now you will tell me all about that Safari chap and how you two have been ganging up and hoodwinking the devotees of their belongings! Come on; let me show you how it feels to be pushed and maneuvered!” Inspector Jadhav's voice boomed.

Tags: story, short story

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cre8ive27 said:
I have reduced my visits to crowded temples ,all the pushing n shoving n groping on the pretense of praying!!!!

January 06, '09

thepatriot2008 said:

That was a lesson....sigh...

sad all this happens in the name of god!!

TC!!

November 18, '08

impeccabledude said:
unlike other peaceful adobe of gods, Temple are not what they should be. I wish Hindus learn the basic lesson of what temples are for.

November 18, '08

Garret2000 said:
Noooooooooo.. mandirs for me..

Its a money makin racket now..

Good post

November 18, '08

chithrajust said:
-------i've stopped visiting temples long ago; especially crowded ones----------

November 18, '08

manisha_bhattacharya said:
what a jhatka at the end! Surely there's more?

November 07, '08

khushidey said:
ohhhh...i never knew this happened in temples too...thnx for sharing!

November 05, '08

oliveintl said:
paisa boltha hai......

November 04, '08

sazzyme said:
oh darn!!! thats such a blow!

November 03, '08

Dpai said:
Nice One

November 03, '08

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