How beautiful is the prayer ceremony! The idol is first washed, adorned and fed all the while praising God and his wonders. The deity is being made ready. At this juncture, there are a few curious watchers. Some others see and yet are busy in their own thoughts or are busy discussing worldly matters. The vast majority is nowhere near - they are immersed in their own world!
When the adornment is almost complete, the mantras are chanted and there is total withdrawal from the world. The world waits on for each signal of the final emergence.
Finally the moment arrives. The door opens and everyone sees the deity as equal to God, surrounded by light. Everyone rushes and there is a frantic scramble to see the vision and be blessed. The deity smiles on in a detached manner. The throng continues. Their prayers are answered. God has come and the perfectly adorned complete form of the deity is there for all to see. The praises of the deity fills the air.
The fragrance... the atmosphere is so great! The few remaining ones also rush forward now. People come rushing-last minute. They are late but maybe, just maybe, they will get the vision.
These devotees who came earlier feel fulfilled and some move back to give room to others. The drama is over. People talk of politics and problems. They are troubled. These are troubled times for them. The deities have it made for themselves. They are lucky.
It is the temple of Shri Shakti Vinayaka. The elevated, powerful, remover of all obstacles. Finally they queue up and collect their prasada and slowly go back home. Their role in this drama is over.
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