In Kashi’s flow, Ayodhya’s glow, Once revered as sacred, now a tourist’s show. Journey of tourism, love for heritage rare, Times have changed, a new era to declare. India has a rich spiritual heritage deeply rooted in its ancient history. The country’s spiritual significance is often traced back to the Vedas, ancient scriptures that form the basis of Hindu philosophy. The concept of dharma, karma, and moksha central to Hinduism, reflects India’s emphasis on righteous living, cause and effect, and ultimate liberation. Throughout history, India has been a melting pot of diverse spiritual thoughts, accommodating various beliefs and practices. But it seems the Bhakti and Sufi movements which are used to exemplify the synthesis of spiritual ideas have taken support of selfie sticks.
After the “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony on January 22, 2024, the temple has evolved into a central destination for pilgrims and tourists providing a haven for profound contemplation and a rich cultural experience. But are our devoted followers genuinely seeking spiritual devotion (bhakti), or are their expressions of devotion influenced by social trends, merely aligning with popular narratives? Is the quest to discover the essence of Ram within oneself authentic, or is it driven by a desire for social conformity and attendance? I’m not questioning the government’s actions; my focus is on you. Are you genuinely practicing devotion (bhakti) or engaging in a display for showbiz?
Millions joyously unite in celebration as the Ram Mandir marks a century of trust meticulously forged in the crucible of devotion. This historic milestone signifies not just the architectural culmination of a grand temple but a testament to the unwavering faith that has endured for five hundred and fifty years but the resonance of hymns, chants, and prayers echoes through filters.
In the age of instant gratification and fleeting trends, the pilgrimage to sacred sites has transformed into a spectacle for the lens, a visual journey captured in pixels rather than profound experiences etched into the soul. The selfie stick, once a tool for capturing memories, now stands as a symbol of a generation caught between the sacred and the superficial. The Ram Mandir's century of trust marks not just the endurance of faith but also the challenge of preserving the sanctity of devotion in an era dominated by image-sharing platforms. The juxtaposition of ancient spirituality and modern technology raises crucial questions about the essence of our connection with the divine. Are we seeking a genuine spiritual experience, or are we merely chasing the allure of likes and comments?
In the pursuit of authenticity, it becomes imperative to disentangle ourselves from the external validations of social media and delve deeper into the introspective realms of our own consciousness. The pilgrimage, once a sacred journey of self-discovery, risks becoming a checklist item, validated by the number of followers rather than the sincerity of devotion.
One might argue that the government’s involvement is aimed at providing a certain perspective, but why not capitalize on the advantages it brings? Let’s delve into the reasons behind the government’s emphasis on bolstering spiritual tourism.
The Roots:
The roots of spiritual tourism can be traced back to ancient times when pilgrimages to sacred sites were integral to various religious traditions. Across cultures, people embarked on journeys to connect with divine energy, seek enlightenment, or fulfill religious obligations. This historical foundation laid the groundwork for the evolution of spiritual tourism, transforming it into a global phenomenon that transcends religious boundaries.
Connected Dots:
The government recognized the socio-economic potential of spiritual tourism by leveraging historical practices. They strategically connected the dots by promoting and developing infrastructure around the sacred sites, implementing policies to facilitate pilgrimages, and fostering a conducive environment for travelers. PRASAD [Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive] in 2015 aimed at focusing on promoting and developing such sites. To boost tourism and showcase India’s cultural and spiritual diversity to the world. These recent developments in Kashi, Ayodhya are some objectives of the PRASAD scheme.
The Gains:
India stands to gain significantly from the spiritual tourism on various fronts. Beyond the spiritual and cultural enrichment it offers, the economic impact is substantial. The influx of pilgrims and tourists contributes to local economies, generating revenue for businesses, hotels, and services in the vicinity of sacred sites. According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department recorded 2.36 crore domestic and 1465 foreign tourists in the Ayodhya district in 2022, marking an 8,342.7 percent increase yearly in tourism.
So you see we stand at the cusp of a spiritual renaissance. And navigating the intersection of tradition and modernity, let us not forget the transformative power of genuine introspection. The purpose from the government’s perspective is way beyond what we think. You see, beyond the visual narrative of filtered images, lies the untold story of personal growth, spiritual awakening, and a timeless connection with the divine. The art of inner reflection in India’s spirituality is deeply rooted in practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and contemplation.
But it seems you the dearest “Bhakt” believe why meditate in silence when you can meditate for the perfect Instagram shot. Right? Have you ever thought about why you are called as Bhakts? Where does Bhakti come from? India’s Bhakti tradition is been characterized by a more direct and personal approach to the divine, advocating that sincere love and devotion lead to spiritual liberation. Bhakti embraces a wide range of expressions, from ecstatic devotional practices to philosophical contemplation. It transcends caste, creed, and social status. Yogic traditions, Vedanta, and Buddhist meditation are examples of paths that emphasize inner reflection. The idea is to go beyond the surface-level identification with the body and mind, reaching a state of self-realization or enlightenment. Sacred texts of Hinduism which date back to around 1500-1200 BCE express not just a diverse and ancient religion with a multitude of scriptures but also reverence and devotion. Time was when Prahlada, Dhruva, Narad Muni were recognized for their intense devotion but now is the era of spiritual transcendence which involves striking a pose with the Gods. As the ancient scriptures probably didn’t say, ”Thou shalt not forget to document thy pilgrimage for the likes” And lo, the selfie stick movement rises, capturing the essence of devotion in 16:9 resolution.
In the grand tapestry of spirituality, we’ve woven a thread of self-obsession and carefully curated moments. It seems the gods would surely appreciate a well-framed prayer, complete with a heavenly background and just the right amount of tilt-shift. Perhaps it is time to reclaim the silence with sacred spaces, to put down the selfie stick and engage in a silent dialogue. The temple, now a symbol of both cultural heritage and spiritual devotion, challenges us to transcend the boundaries of virtual validation and rediscover the profound connection with our inner selves.
In the quest for self-discovery, let the echoes of ancient hymns guide us, not the applause of a digital audience. The true pilgrimage transcends the boundaries of time and technology, weaving the threads of tradition into the tapestry of our evolving spirituality. The true art of self-discovery lies in the unfiltered reflection of our inner selves, undisturbed by the noise of external validation.