In a country like India, where religion and faith are not merely a matter of personal belief but an integral part of social and cultural life, temples and pilgrimage sites have played a vital role. For centuries, these places have been considered symbols of equality, peace, and spiritual balance. “All are equal in God’s court”—this statement is not just an ideal but a deeply held belief in Indian society. However, in recent years, this belief has been questioned.
Many major temples and pilgrimage sites across the country charge hefty fees for VIP darshan, special pujas, abhishekam, and aarti.
In exchange for these services, devotees are promised relief from long queues, reduced darshan time, and a more convenient experience.
At first glance, this system appears to be an alternative, but when it impacts the experience of ordinary devotees, it becomes a serious social problem.
Today, the situation is such that on one hand, there are those who, by paying extra money, can easily have darshan in a few minutes, while on the other, large numbers of ordinary people stand in queues for hours, sometimes even entire days. During this time, they face crowds, jostling, rude behavior, and sometimes even physical violence.
This experience is not only uncomfortable but also humiliating—especially when one has come there with faith and devotion.
It’s natural to question whether faith itself is becoming a “premium service”? Should there be discrimination based on economic status even for the sake of seeing God? This situation isn’t limited to religious sites, but rather reflects the growing inequality in our society.
From ration shops to gas cylinder lines, and now even temples—the middle class and common people often face chaos and struggle.
The argument in favor of VIP culture is that it provides additional revenue to temples, which can be used to improve their facilities and services. This argument is somewhat valid.
Large temples receive millions of devotees daily, making it difficult to manage them. Therefore, if some people pay an additional fee and demand special arrangements, the proceeds could be used for public amenities.
But problems arise when this system becomes unbalanced. When VIP privileges become so abundant that the resources and time available to ordinary devotees begin to fall short, it becomes a form of injustice.
It has often been observed that general queues are blocked for VIP darshan, further prolonging the wait for ordinary people. This naturally leads to dissatisfaction and resentment.
Furthermore, the behavior of temple staff and security personnel is also a significant issue.
In many cases, ordinary devotees are treated rudely and disrespectfully, while VIPs are treated with extreme courtesy. This duality further deepens the existing class divide in society.
This is also negatively impacting the very spirit of religious sites. Temples are not just places of worship, but also centers of mental peace and spiritual balance.
When visitors encounter chaos, crowds, and discrimination, their spiritual experience is affected. This experience can leave them feeling disappointed and frustrated.
The solution to this problem is not easy, but it is not impossible. First, temple administrations should ensure that the number and impact of VIP services are limited.
These services should only be intended to provide additional convenience, not to curtail the rights of ordinary devotees.
Second, modern technologies can be used for crowd management.
Measures such as online booking, time slot systems, and digital queue management can better manage crowds, ensuring an orderly and respectful experience for all devotees.
Third, staff and security personnel should be trained in sensitivity and courtesy.
Every devotee, whether VIP or ordinary, deserves respect. This sentiment should be reflected not only in policies but also in practice.
Fourth, the government and relevant trusts should establish clear guidelines on this issue. Ensuring equality and transparency at religious sites is not just an administrative responsibility, but also a moral one.
Finally, it’s also essential that society itself becomes aware of this issue. As long as people continue to accept this inequality as normal, it’s difficult to bring about change.
Faith isn’t just about worship, but also about embracing values like equality, compassion, and justice.
It’s time to reflect on the direction we’re headed. Are we heading toward a society where even the vision of God is determined by money and access? Or will we preserve the original spirit, where every person enjoys equal rights and respect?
The sanctity of temples is determined not merely by their grandeur or order, but by the experience one receives there.
If that experience is fraught with discrimination and inequality, the foundation of faith will be weakened.
Therefore, it is essential that we take this issue seriously and work together to create an environment where every devotee feels truly present in the court of God—where all are equal.
Dr. Satyawan Saurabh, PhD (Political Science), poet and social thinker.
Monday, April 13, 2026