Jun 28, 2023 11:20 AM
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My visit to the Kalighat temple was a truly dismal experience, filled with disappointment and frustration. I had hoped to find solace, positive energy, and blessings from the deity, but instead, I encountered a series of disheartening incidents that tarnished the sanctity of the place.
Firstly, I was taken aback by the lack of knowledge and incompetence displayed by the pujaris. They seemed unfamiliar with even the basic mantras that are traditionally chanted during worship. Their behavior was far below the expected level of reverence and devotion, leaving me disenchanted and disrespected.
What truly shocked me was the blatant extortion practiced by the pujaris at the sanctum, the Garba gruha. They shamelessly demanded cash(500/-, 1000/-) from devotees based on the type of attire they were wearing. It was disheartening to see the sanctity of the temple reduced to a mere transaction, where the view of the revered Kali maa was deliberately blocked until the demanded payment was made.
To add insult to injury, I noticed that smoking was permitted inside the temple, specifically for the pujaris. As I questioned a smoking pujari about this disregard for the sanctity of the place, he callously responded, "Do you know how we live? I don't even get time to go for potty, so I smoke." I was deeply disgusted by this nonchalant attitude, as smoking within the temple premises only contributed to the already deteriorating ambiance.
The purpose of a visit to a temple is to seek solace, peace, and spiritual enlightenment. However, in the case of Kalighat temple, the pujaris' lack of devotion and their focus on material gain made the experience akin to being at a busy and filthy railway station. It is imperative for the responsible and respected authorities to take immediate and appropriate steps to rectify the behavior of the priests.
It is a shame that these practices are openly practiced and the authorities seem fine with this. I hope the ministry will take appropriate steps to retain Kalighat as one of the Shakti Peeths.
