Anjan B

Today, I visited the Samaleswari Mandir in Sambalpur with great devotion and a peaceful mind. As I stood in line to offer my puja, right behind another devotee, one of the temple volunteers suddenly stopped us and asked us to move back. At first, I assumed it might be for a special ritual or puja.

However, I soon realized that it was to allow a VIP to enter the temple, accompanied by around 15 of his followers. What truly disappointed me was that the volunteer opened the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) — the most sacred space where Maa Samaleswari's idol is placed — and the VIP, along with all of his followers, was allowed to go inside.

I can understand and accept that sometimes a VIP may be given special permission to enter the sanctum for darshan, especially considering protocol or security. But should all of their followers - approximately 15 people - also be allowed to go inside such a sacred space? That’s where I felt things were not right.

I admit that I may not be fully aware of the official temple rules or protocols regarding who is allowed inside the Garbhagriha. But as a common devotee, I’ve always seen that general visitors offer prayers from outside, while only priests are permitted within the inner sanctum. In all my previous visits, I have never seen regular people entering that space.

Temples are places that represent equality, devotion, and humility — not privilege. When a large group of people is granted access simply because they accompany a VIP, it not only disrupts the sanctity of the space but also makes ordinary devotees feel sidelined and disheartened.

I’m not writing this to criticize any individual or temple authority. I’m only expressing my genuine feelings as a devotee who came with faith and was left with disappointment. All I hope is that such holy places maintain a sense of fairness and reverence for all.

We travel to new cities for “opportunities” but forget what a weekend at home feels like.

Anjan B Electronics

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