~ Fear of GOD...~

 India is a diverse land with brimming with different cultures and attitudes and varied way of life’s – All of us have different faith systems and beliefs – the only commonality I could vouch on is “Faith” and “ Fear” – None has seen GOD but he is ultimately there, all pervading the universe and the landscape we all live in – we cannot entirely deny his presence with absolute truth but can surely believe that he is just there who created all of the living and inanimate things for us to live and enjoy life…

Recently, I came across a man roaming around in street, quite ordinarily dressed – the one which many of you must have seen especially on a Saturday seeking alms for your benefit – as you pay your humble obeisance to “Shani” Bhagwan” [ Lord Shani] and seek his mercy – for sure, he is the much-feared demigod and no one wants to face his ire.

Every Saturday, one finds serpentine queues of people holding all the paraphernalia to oblige “Shani Bhagwan” [ Lord Shani] as a mark of respect and seek his blessings and ofcourse his mercy from his ire…It certainly is a weekly ritual and I know set of people who have been doing since ages and now that it has become their routine…

As he approached me to pay the “Shanivariya” [As we call him, a pseudonym for the man who collects alms on name of Lord Shani”], he was  prompt to move forward his tumbler filled with oil with immersed coins – as I paid him my share, he smiled and was about to turn around to move to other devotees – I was quick to break the conversation open to him – as I meekly asked him a question that came to my mind “ Kab se kyeh kaam kar rahe ho?” [ Since when have you been doing this?] – he was quick in his reply as he had strict timelines to gather day’s kitty – “2 Saal hog aye, pehle papa kartey they” [ since two years, as my father earlier used to do it!”] , seems to be a business to me, as I thought internally. 

My conviction became resolute with each passing second – we all fear God, and have been groomed to obey to his rules and regulations – and seek mercy if we have done anything awkward or against the rules. “Aapka Naam kya hai”, as I asked futher, he replied with same zeal “ Shri Pawan Prasad!” –“Log Darr ki wajah se dete honge aapko daan!” – [ People must fear Lord Shani and give you alms!”] – he sheepishly smiled and replied “ Nahi toh! – unko Shani Bhawgan pe vishwas hai and unse muradein maangtey hain…bahut shaktishali hain Shani Bhagwan.” [ No, people believe in Lord Shani and thus seek his blessings!] –  with all his answers and explanations, he was making my belief with every passing minute…

As he walked away in a hush- hush , his aim being to maximise his collection, he was not much interested in any further conversation, observing so I said “Jai Shani Dev!” and seek God’s blessings – don’t know if I did it out of fear or as a mark of true reverence…