By Sharda Lal (Bhaderwah)
The history of religions is replete with instances of vandalism of religious symbols and intimidation of the followers time and again. Here in focus is the Hindu religion.
In the Hindu scriptures goes the tale of Bhrigu Rishi who hurled a kick onto the chest of Lord Vishnu who was lying in composed meditation on the serpentine bed of Shesh Naag while His consort Goddess Laxmi was caressing His feet. Lord Vishnu woke up from his meditation to find the furious Sage Bhrigu in His front abusing Him of being careless and negligent. Lord Vishnu immediately realized the rage of the Rishi and touched his feet to seek forgiveness saying that His stout chest must have hurt the lotus like soft feet of the Rishi. The Lord consoled the Rishi and this attitude softened the rage of Bhrigu. Ultimately, the sage felt his own guilt and sought forgiveness from the Lord. Thus flowed the following immortal verse from the pen of Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana one of the nine ministers of Akbar the Great:
“Kshama badan ko uchit hai, chhotan ko utpaat;
Ka Rahim Hari ko ghatiyo, jo bhrigu mari laat.”
Rahim says that vandalism may be appropriate for the youngsters, but compassionate and forgiving attitude is the appropriate response of the elders, just as Lord Vishnu (Hari) lost nothing even though the sage Bhrigu hurled a kick upon Him. In fact the grace of lord Vishnu continued to spread and Bhrigu Rishi was humbled.
The latest incidents of vandalizing the statues of Hindu deities at Aap Shambhu temple, Nanak Nagar Temple and Udhampur Devika Temple in Jammu region have extremely shocked and saddened the Hindus. The same may be true of others also, but only a few have denounced these acts as aptly and openly as these should have been. The incidents have again exposed some wicked minds which go to any extreme to hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. The response this time has been restrained as usual, but the miscreants and law breakers, may be from any walk of life, have shown again that they don't have any faith in the law of the land, the society and the religion. Rather, they are bent upon creating social strife in the country, particularly in J&K State, to placate the political interests of the enemy and the illegitimate power seekers who want India weakened and decimated at every cost. The series of incidents at specific places during a specific period give credence to the theory of conspiracy at the behest of the political enemy.
No doubt, the incidents of theft of statues from venerated temples for sale in the market too are common, but often these go un-noticed because of individual engagements. The damage to religious structures and statues in full public view are, on the other hand, definitely a challenge and an attempt to provoke the silent and peace loving people. The patience and peace maintained by the society deserves kudos, but it may not mean that people are not hurt. Lord Krishna had pardoned 100 mistakes of Shishupal but the 101st mistake did cost him his head. The people are aware of the nefarious designs of some “behind the scene agencies” and they understand that any violent reaction to such incidents can go berserk and damage the social fabric.
Here comes to mind the couplet by Dr.Sir Mohammad Iqbal which says:
“Kuch baat hai ki hasti miteti nahi hamari;
Sadiyo raha hai dushman Daur-E-Zaman hamara”.
The incidents such as damaging the statues and destroying the temples cannot destroy the essence and existence of Hinduism because of its ever evolving nature with roots in the existence of the Supreme God (Parmeshwar), theory of Karma and transmigration of soul.
The natives of this county have shown tremendous compassion and resilience despite innumerable attacks on its culture and civilization. However heed must be given to the following caution made by a poet through his following patriotic bollywood song :
“Aaram ki tum bhool bhulaiya mein na bhoolo:
Sapno ke hindolon mein magan ho ke na joolo.
Ab wakt aa gaya mere hanste huae phoolo
Utho chhlang maar ke aakash ko chhu lo”.
People should introspect and see if they are getting too complacent and idealist. Every Indian has a right to complain about human right violations, if any and seek remedies within the Constitution of India, but why should anyone commit a sacrilegious act or damage the religious symbol or structure of another community. No citizen should take law into one's own hands, but the time has come when like other fellow citizens the Hindus too should tell about the things which hurt them religiously. It is the duty of the law enforcing agencies to take strong action against law breakers and the hooligans, to whichever sect, religion or region they may belong and it is the duty of the Government to instill faith amongst its people in the law enforcing agencies.
Meanwhile, the social, religious and political leaders should come together and give a serious thought to these sad events and curb such activities jointly.
