By Bipin Sharma
Situated in the heart of the city in South Delhi, Kalkaji Temple holds colossal significance for devotees all over the globe. One of the most famous Temples of the Divine Goddess, Kalkaji Temple is an ancient and highly revered Sidhpeethas of the country. With its rich mythological significance, Kalkaji Temple is abode of the Divine Goddess “Kalka” or “Kali”, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The Temple is situated atop a small hill, and is visited in huge numbers by devotees 365 days a year from all nooks and corners of the world.
During the festive season of Navratris, the Holy Temple is thronged by countless devotees from all nooks and corners of the country. Since time immemorial, Kalkaji Temple has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to countless of devotees from all over the world.
Appeased with their ardent devotion, Goddess Kalka granted the victory boon to the Pandavas here as an outcome of which they were successful in defeating the Kauravas in the epic Mahabharata war.
Since the outbreak of the Novel Corono Pandemic and the subsequent announcement and imposition of complete lockdown in the country, Mata Devotees have not only exhibited due caution and restraint, but have also played a pivotal role in spreading awareness among the underprivileged segments of the society about the pertinence of following social distancing norms. Devotees have in their special ways, played a critical role, in ensuring that the people in their vicinity adhere to the rudimentary norms and guidelines issued by the government.
Acting as real “Covid Warriors” and Heroes of the society in these trying and turbulent times, Kalka Mata devotees have organized “langar” for the slum dwellers in different areas, and have been spreading awareness about the need to remain in the confines of their homes so as to help break the chain of community transmission. Sanjay Kathuria, a devotee along with other devotees have organized langar sewa in their respective areas for the poor and migrant labourers.
Unlike temples that remain closed during events like lunar and the solar eclipse, the doors of Kalkaji Temple remains forever open for the devotees round the year sans any restriction. However with the imposition of the lockdown following the sudden surge in the number of Corona positive cases, the temple entry was curtailed for the devotees as was the case with all other religious institutions across the length and breadth of the country.
Kalka Mata devotees on their part, displayed remarkable restraint by not stepping out of their homes, and offering prayers from the confines of their home.
Ardent Mata devotee and aspiring devotional singer Pankaj Laadla has been going to the Kalkaji Temple on a regular basis since the past many years. Like countless other beings, Pankaj too was distressed, and found it tough to come to terms with the grim veracity in the first week of the imposition of the lockdown. It was tormenting for Pankaj to imagine life without a daily visit to the Kalkaji Temple. For the last few years, it had become a ritual of a sort for him to be singing devotional songs in praise of Divine Goddess Kalka in the Bhawan. The devotees feel a direct enchanting connect with Pankaj’s mellifluous voice and endless passion for devotional music. Since it was mandatory for everyone to be in a state of complete lockdown, Pankaj deemed it best to initiate a process of daily singing live on Facebook for his large number of followers. Quite naturally, the cheer on Pankaj’s face says it all, as he is overwhelmed with the endless love and support of all his FB friends and well wishers. Pankaj attributes it solely to the divine blessings of Kalka Mata that he has reached the threshold of launching a new music Album dedicated to Kalka Maa.
With the objective of keeping everyone rejuvenated and in a positive frame of mind, Mata Ki Chowkis and other devotional programs are being hosted on Apps like Zoom that enable the devotees to view the same safely from their homes. Anuj Mittal, Chairman of Shree Kalka Ji Sajja Sewadar Mitr Mandal (Regd) has led from the front, and has organized Mata Ki Chowkis on the Zoom App so as to ensure both spiritual enchantment as well as digital connectivity. Besides, Anuj has played an incredible role as a “Covid Warrior” by continuously spreading awareness about the need to exercise restraint during the lockdown phase. Anuj will soon be organizing Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta Katha through Zoom App.
Priest Ajay Bhardwaj shares, “We stand unified like one integrated unit with our country and Prime Minister in these challenging times and crisis moments. There is a complete restriction on the entry of any devotee to the Temple premises. Lockdown norms are being completely followed, and we are working in tandem with the government. Various entry points leading to the Temple have all been sealed till the period of lockdown. The sanitation workers have done a brilliant job in sanitizing the entire Temple compound. We are praying for the well being and safety of every human irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or nationality. We are optimistic that Humanity will soon emerge triumphant over Corona Virus.”
Elucidating more on the same, Priests Sapan and Sarvesh Bhardwaj say, “Akin to the concept of “Work from Home”, the lockdown has resulted in the emergence of a temporary new phenomenon named “Devotion from Home” wherein devotees are offering their prayers through the virtual medium. As Temple Priests, we duly understand the plight of countless devotees who have been thronging the Temple since last many years. For them to cope with this sudden turn of events, is indeed commendable. I must laud each one of them as they have all proven themselves to be real wise and responsible citizens of our great Nation.”
Prominent member of Kalka Mata’s Sewadaar Samiti, Uma Ratudi has displayed extraordinary mettle during these crucial times, and played her role to perfection in undertaking the sanitation and cleanliness chores in the Temple.
No wonder, extraordinary circumstances often bring along with them extraordinary strength and resilience . ..and help ordinary beings evolve into extraordinary Heroes.
Kalka Mata Devotees have in their own special way etched their names as True “Champions of Humanity”.
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