Bhubaneswar, Nov 25: India is a land steeped in the rich traditions of temples, each narrating its own unique story and history while venerating powerful deities. These deities, in turn, have distinct preferences, ranging from Lord Krishna's affinity for butter to Goddess Kali's preference for red hibiscus and Lord Ganesha's love for laddoos and modaks. Flowers, coconuts, and mithai commonly grace the altars as offerings across many Indian temples. However, delve deeper, and you'll discover a fascinating tapestry of diverse beliefs reflected in the offerings made at some unconventional temples across India.
These unique practices defy the norm, providing a glimpse into the varied spiritual landscape of the country.
Liquor at Kaal Bhairav Temple, Madhya Pradesh:
Unlike most temples where liquor is strictly prohibited, Madhya Pradesh's Kaal Bhairav Temple stands out. Liquor shops, both Indian and foreign, surround the temple, allowing devotees to purchase and present liquor to the deity. The priest then offers a prayer before pouring a symbolic amount into a saucer, transferring it to the idol through a slit. The remaining liquor is returned to devotees as prasad. This ritual is rooted in tantra, with Kaal Bhairav possessing the mysterious ability to consume alcohol.
Clocks at Brahma Baba Temple, Uttar Pradesh:
The Brahma Baba Temple in Uttar Pradesh has a unique tradition dating back 30 years. Devotees, upon the fulfillment of their wishes, offer clocks to the temple. Legend has it that a man, granted his wish to become a driver, initiated this tradition. Clocks are placed by the temple tree branches, earning the temple the endearing name of Ghariwale Baba temple. Remarkably, this temple operates without a priest or security personnel.
Munch Chocolates at Munch Murugan Temple, Kerala:
The Chemmoth Sree Subramaniya Swami Temple in Kerala adds a modern twist to offerings with Munch chocolates. A Muslim boy, after falling ill and chanting Lord Murugan's name, was cured miraculously by offering a Munch chocolate. Since then, devotees have been presenting boxes of Munch chocolates and even adorning the deity with Munch chocolate garlands, earning the temple the moniker of Munch Murugan Temple.
Chinese Food at Kali Temple, Kolkata:
Tucked away in Kolkata's Chinatown, the Chinese Kali Temple stands out for its unique offerings. Devotees present noodles, chopsuey, fried rice, and other Chinese delicacies to Goddess Kali. The temple, worshipped by the Chinese community in Chinatown, has become a divine site for various communities, especially during Kali Puja, following a Chinese boy's miraculous recovery after lying in the temple area.
Dosas at Azhagar Temple, Tamil Nadu:
In Madurai's Azhagar Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, devotees offer specially prepared dosas. Ingredients like white rice and black urad dal are brought in by devotees to prepare these unique dosas, which are then offered to the deity and distributed as prasad among the worshippers. The dosas derive their distinct taste from the spring water, Noopura Gangai, used in their preparation.
DVDs & Textbooks at Mahadeva Temple, Kerala:
Situated in the National Heritage Centre (NHC) campus in Kerala, Mahadeva Temple breaks conventional norms by accepting CDs, DVDs, and textbooks as prasad. Embracing the belief that knowledge is a divine gift, the temple distributes these materials to devotees, fostering a sense of peace and awareness on various subjects.
These temples offer a unique and offbeat spiritual experience, welcoming diverse offerings that reflect the eclectic tapestry of beliefs in India. Travel enthusiasts are encouraged to explore these temples, bearing unconventional gifts, and may find their wishes granted in unexpected ways.
