In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of more temples offering VIP darshan tickets. While VIP access has existed for some time, it was previously limited to a selected few temples. However, the number of temples offering this service has grown significantly. Having visited temples across India, I’ve observed that temples in North India often exhibit the most concerning levels of corruption. Even in the absence of a formal ticketing system, one can frequently find priests, intermediaries, agents, or even police officers offering expedited darshan in exchange for a fee.

Only two prominent temples in Varanasi, Sankat Mochan and BHU New Vishwanath JI, seem relatively free from the corruption associated with VIP darshan tickets. Unfortunately, visiting any other well-known temple in Varanasi often involves dealing with harassment. For a peaceful experience, Kashi Vishwanath and Kaal Bhairav temples are particularly challenging. While Kashi Vishwanath can be navigated by avoiding priests and other troublemakers, Kaal Bhairav presents a significantly more complex situation.

My recent visits to Nagreshwar, Somnath, and Mahakal Jyotirling temples in Gujarat were marred by the implementation of ticketing systems. Nagreshwar Jyotirling, for example, offers tickets that grant access to the Garbhgrih (sanctum sanctorum). For an additional fee, visitors can also avail themselves of special rituals performed by a priest. While darshan at Nagreshwar Jyotirling is technically free for all, access to the Garbhgrih is restricted to those who purchase a ticket.

Shri Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujrat

Somnath Temple offers tickets for the evening sound and light laser show. Mahakal temple in Ujjain also has a VIP ticket system but a commendable feature of Mahakal Temple is its provision of a separate queue for senior citizens, exempting them from VIP darshan fees. A temple should not be treated as a commercial enterprise. It should be a space for personal reflection and meditation, accessible to all without distinction. The concept of VIP status should be entirely absent from such sacred places.

Paying to visit a temple feels akin to entering an amusement park. A sacred space should be open to all without charge. The introduction of VIP tickets has eroded the spiritual essence of temples. Now, anyone with a few hundred rupees can receive preferential treatment, creating a sense of inequality. India seems unable to fully escape its colonial past, as people continue to be judged based on their wealth, social status, or other factors.

The hierarchical system is deeply ingrained in Indian culture. While the Modi government has made commendable efforts to curb VIP culture by restricting the use of red or blue beacons on vehicles, the mentality of privilege persists. I frequently visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple with guests, and it’s disheartening to witness the preferential treatment afforded to politicians, government officials, judges, and police officers. Their vehicles are often parked directly at the temple’s entrance, a privilege denied to ordinary citizens. This demonstrates a continued bias towards those in positions of authority.

Inside the temple, these individuals also receive preferential treatment, gaining access to areas restricted to the general public. While I understand the need for special arrangements for high-ranking officials like the Prime Minister or President, the same privilege is often extended to politicians and individuals with political connections. While the government introduced VIP darshan tickets to streamline the visiting process, it has inadvertently transformed the temple into a place of privilege. While the time of dignitaries like the Prime Minister or President is undoubtedly valuable, it’s unfair to expect others to wait in long queues while these individuals enjoy special treatment.

I believe a VIP darshan facility is necessary, but it should be exclusive to senior citizens and individuals with special abilities. These groups should be considered VIPs and receive preferential treatment not only at temples but also in offices and public spaces. For the general public, an organized online registration system should be implemented. This system would offer different time slots based on availability, allowing visitors to choose their preferred visiting time.

A similar approach should be adopted for all visitors. By determining the maximum number of visitors per hour and offering different time slots, visitors can choose the most convenient option. This will limit the number of people at any given time, reducing wait times. Those who haven’t registered should be directed to a separate queue. Implementing this system would quickly eliminate long queues and enhance the spiritual experience for visitors, especially if the temple were to offer free entry

I visit Churches, Mosques, Buddhist temples, and Sikh Gurudwaras, but I’ve never encountered a VIP ticket system. While these places of worship may face their own challenges, they haven’t resorted to commercializing their sacred spaces. Unfortunately, the commercialization of temple visits is a prevalent issue in Hindu temples only. The presence of priests and middlemen seeking financial gain, combined with the VIP ticket system, further complicates the experience for devotees.

My Western guests have shared with me that many people have stopped attending churches due to their commercialization and politicization. Priests in these churches often sought to control people’s minds, promising them eternal salvation in exchange for monetary donations. Reports of churches selling certificates for heaven further highlight this disturbing trend. While Hindu temples have historically avoided such practices, there are signs of a concerning shift. Hindu temples are not merely places for rituals or priestly control. They are spaces for self-discovery, introspection, and spiritual growth. They offer opportunities for peace and inner awakening

“I hope that authorities will reconsider the current state of Hindu temples and allow them to serve as true places of self-discovery, introspection, and spiritual growth. If the system remains unchanged, it’s only a matter of time before people lose their devotion to these temples, mirroring the decline of churches. I personally know many individuals who have stopped visiting temples due to overcrowding, VIP tickets, and the exploitative practices of priests and middlemen. I sincerely hope that this trend will reverse, and temples will regain their ancient glory.