What’s up with politicians and pilgrimages? or with homa and havana performances? How will gods themselves weigh in on the value of rituals performed by various politicians? While you and I may remain clueless on these matters, our leaders aren’t.
Now that the political crisis in Bangalore seems to be ebbing, the protagonists of the farce have set out on pilgrimages, to appease gods. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had already rued his karma from his past life and to make peace with gods, he is visiting Kanchi, Kalahasti and Tirupati.
However, the person who seems to be in greater trouble is his son and Chief Minister designate, H. K. Kumaraswamy. So he is in Tirunallar, worshiping at the only Sani (Saturn) temple. In Indian astrology, Sani, a malefic and arrogant god, is worksiped out of fear, since his blessings are overwhelming and his wrath cause of untold misery. Kumaraswamy would want to ensure Sani is on his side, if only to counteract the other human ’sanis’, who are already supporting him. At Tirunallar, it is said, King Nala, who under the influence of Sani lost his kingdom and wife, worshiped Siva and obtained total relief. We wouldn’t expect Kumaraswamy government to create a Nalarajya even though BJP is present of the coalition. Still we can only hope that all these pilgrimages and rituals would be efficiacious.
Earlier, Janata Dal (S) MLAs had begun their sacred journey to power, in the sunny beach resorts of Goa, before heading home via Gokarna, Kollura, Dharmasthala and many other temple towns, where they offered prayers. Sure, gods granted them victory a few days later. Reconnecting with gods is important if the prize is a ministership.
In comparison, the children of God’s own party, BJP MLAs have been comparatively low key. Their leader was found seeking blessings of the all powerful Lingayat guru, Sri Desikendra Swami of the Suttur Math. Given their unexpected good fortune, they don’t need to pray to gods for a while.
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