Temple ‘TOURISM’ Vs Haj ‘PILGRIMAGE’

Kochi: Last week a press release by ITDC was published prominently in our dailies regarding their new program named “Theerthadaka Tourism”. This “tourism program” which cost Rs 475 for a day is designed to attract “pilgrims” for the auspicious “Nalabalam Darshan” as part of month of Karkkidakam along with Guruvayoor temple. Hindus consider it as a very holy devotion to offer prayers at the 4 temples belonging to Lord Srirama at Thripayar for Nirmalyam, Usha pooja at bharatha temple at irijalakuda, Ucha pooja at Moozhikulam Lakshmana temple and athaza pooja at Payammal shatrugna temple all on same day.

It is well and good to know that ITDC has came up with this pilgrim package, But we would like to ask what prompted you to coin it as “Theerthadaka Tourism” . Whose brain was behind this subtle agenda?   

Will your Government officials dare to call Mecca visit of Muslims as HAJ TOURISM? Why is that “free sponsored program” known as HAJ PILGRIMAGE and Temple darsan of Hindus become Tourism?

Reading this news on “Theerthadaka tourism” along with Lifting ban on dress code at Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple,Yesudas temple entry controversy, Forceful conversion attempts before Guruvayoor temple, Foul cries to allow women of all age at Sabarimala, govt order to ban Sree Padmanabha Swami award for, all devaswom board related political moves shows one common agenda – All the so called secular thugs are determined to destroy Hindu Culture and religion and they have striked the first and fore most important place – The Hindu Temples, which conveys the message of Sanathana Dharma and rich culture and traditions of this ancient religion.

We may think what is in a name “Theerthadaka Tourism” but tomorrow secular and cultural leaders may argue any one who take ticket in “Theerthadaka Toursim” program may be allowed to enter the temple as “tourists”. They may even go to the extent of saying that since tourism in English dictionary means “The practice of traveling for pleasure” or “the business or industry of providing information, accommodations, transportation, and other services to tourists” or “the promotion of tourist travel, esp. for commercial purposes.”, there is no culture or tradition or devotional belief involved in it and any one can enter temple for fun. So ultimately we are approving our sacred temples to become tourist spots by closing our eyes against such naming ceremonies

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