Garikapati Narasimha Rao’s Viral Video on Temple Visits Sparks Debate After Tirupati Stampede Tragedy
In the aftermath of the tragic stampede at Tirupati, which claimed the lives of six devotees and left many others injured, an old video of spiritual preacher Garikapati Narasimha Rao has gone viral on social media. In the video, Garikapati offers a thought-provoking perspective on the obsession with visiting temples on specific days, questioning the notion that certain dates or timings are essential for seeking divine blessings.
Garikapati reflects on the overwhelming crowds that flock to Tirupati during Mukkoti Ekadashi, seeking access to the sacred Uttara Dwara Darshan. He warns that such excessive gatherings on a single day and time can result in unfortunate incidents, as was witnessed in the tragic stampede. The preacher advises devotees to consider visiting temples a day later or even after a few days, emphasizing that such visits are equally fulfilling and carry no negative repercussions.
In his statement, Garikapati asserts that God does not penalize devotees for delaying their visits and criticizes the mindset that forces people to visit temples on a specific day under any circumstances. He describes this behavior as unnecessary and irrational. According to Garikapati, the essence of spirituality lies in inner purity and righteous conduct, rather than the rigid adherence to specific rituals or dates.
“The temple is within you. There is no shrine greater than the body, and no holy water greater than the mind. With good behavior, you become your own temple and your own sacred pilgrimage,” he asserts, urging people to focus on personal integrity and moral values rather than becoming fixated on external practices.
Garikapati’s words have resonated with many, especially in light of the tragic stampede, which has reignited conversations about crowd management, spirituality, and the deeper meaning of religious practices. His message emphasizes that faith and devotion can thrive without the need for rigid schedules or crowded temple visits.
