Pilgrimages/Pilgrims

 With the Maha Kumbh, metaphorically as well as literally afloat since January 13 to the Mahashivratri, that is February 26, the ambience in India has been full of the talk (-n-walk, given the heavy traffic in and around Prayagraj) of pilgrimages.

Given the numbers released by the U.P. government, it looks as if half of India has partaken of the 'punya' involved in a three-time dip in the confluence at the Sangam Nose near Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh is especially a great pilgrimage this year as it would next recur after one hundred and forty four years, that is, after six generarions as a generational change happens roughly after twenty-five years, the mean age of either or of most parents.

The U.P. indeed appears to have risen to the occasion as pilgrims who have actually been there report. For sure, huge financial transactions, too, form the base of this event. Undoubtedly though, basically a h(e)aven for the pious religious-minded, in brief!

What makes one a true pilgrim though? Someone who powers through a huge humongous crowd, being literally pushed and pulled by the crowd strength at Prayagraj? Or better a he/she, especially committed to his/her duties, both personal and professional?

Let me give you an example or two. Who would get more punya? Can you tell me? A gentle soul who tries her level best to lovingly take care of the elderly in the family, making every minute count in the short span accessible to them? A committed scholar who tries to her current BEST to excel in every professional duty, be it teaching or be it a submission, creative as well  critical? She did not go to the Kumbh.

Or is it somebody who did go to Prayagraj, splurging quite a bit of money, a person in love with the 'i, me, my' way of life? Somebody who is good at hurting, humiliating, harming everybody else? Who disrespects (wo)men, all the while quoting feminism in a shallow way? Who, for instance, consciously  cooks for the prasad either the non-veg and/or a not-so-liked  vegetable? Someone who most subtly but absolutely surely ill-treats others? 

Well, my answer to this non-existent dilemma is to quote Sant Rohidas who insisted, "मन चंगा तो कठौती में गंगा"! A good, pure, genuine, gentle, kind heart is the real pilgrimage! Why otherwise a pilgrimage that would make the Ganga itself impure, right?

Pratima@ Shravan Bal's pilgrimage in the "Ramayana" was the most meaningful. Bhakt Pundalik's pure penance made the Divinity accessible to all, and forever!