God of American Visa

 

About 20 kms from the heart of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, a small village called Chilkur is located. Till about a decade ago this place was unknown even to the Hyderabadites. Suddenly this place acquired the aura of major pilgrimage centre especially for those aspiring Software Specialists intending to go to US. The reason is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara or popularly known as Visa Venkateswarulu.

As a temple, this is small in size and the main deity not more than 24" tall. A visit to this shrine and a prayer for grant of US visa is said to guarantee securing of that manna, US vias! You can see those whose passports have been stamped coming for for a thanks giving visit by way of circumbulating the shrine 108 times.

You can see jeans clad boys and girls occasionally accompanied by thier proud parents going round and marking on a matrix sheet the number of times they have gone round, concentrating on the correct scoring, oblivious of the God.

This temple has another feather to its credit. The Temple authorities have successfully warded off attempts by the Government to take over its administration. There is no collection box unlike other temples. If desired Visa Venkateswarulu can wallow in NRI Dollars. But He prefers austerity and freedom from Governmental control to wealth.

Though the temple proper is maintained well despite the crowds and its smallness, the adjacent shrines and surroundings are very shabby. The temple is beseeched by vendors and beggers. I dont know whether the Trust Board is legally capable of evicting the encroachers and beggers, beautify its surroundings and maintain its general upkeep given its status and deliberate shying away from funds.

By the Grace of Visa Venkateswarulu, people may earn mega bucks and live in secluded villas in gated communities with mith manicured lawns, but the Giver is ever content in His modest abode.

....ponder