Renunciation & Ayyappa Devotees

Every year during the Ayyappa season, I get quite amused. Lot of philosophical questions go through my mind. Especially about renunciation.

Among shopkeepers, small business people, roadside traders and drivers, there is a big demand to go to Sabarimala. This year, the most striking aspect for me was to notice almost all the Ayyappa devotees talking loudly in their mobile phones. So, I was wondering if the renunciation should include usage of mobile phones also.

It is enough to shun just simple addictions like alcohol, smoking and non-vegetarian food. More difficult addictions like mobile phone, television, driving dangerously in roads etc. should also be considered by them as evils, is my humble view. Is it possible? If ever they include working on computers and checking emails is not permitted for Ayyappa devotees, then I am finished. Will never be able to go to Sabarimala.

Some people's business gets a boost during Ayyappa season. As in this roadside shop in Chennai.

But, trade is essentially bargaining and 'selling' things by hook or crook between the buyer and seller. And, it is really funny to see Ayyappa devotees arguing / shouting and somehow trying to stop themselves right at the point of using foul language. When my vegetable shop keeper (now a 'Saami') tried to push one unhealthy tomato along with the good looking ones, his spiritual halo took a knocking in my view!

However, the most prominent feeling I get while seeing the Ayyappa devotees is: what is the impact of all these hundreds of thousands of people landing up in one place? To the environment and climate change and all that sort of thing. If one advice I can give to any devotee, it is this: 'Stay clear from any place which has more than 100 people. With a simple rumour, any crowd of devotees can become an uncontrollable mob. Year after year, we read about stampedes killing hundreds of people in big temples'.

Anyway to each his own. And, to each his own God too.

But, my favourite god, Ganapathi is ahead of all other gods in technology too. While other Gods may be asking their devotees to renounce things, Ganapathi goes ahead and gets a Postpaid mobile connection with lifetime warranty!