A Sad Memory of Our Visit to Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
One incident I recall with considerable sadness is our visit to the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, Kerala.
I had made special preparations for this visit while still in the United States. A dear Tamilian friend Mr Ram Ramaswamy had kindly gifted me a traditional dhoti and angavastram, while his wife Usha Ramaswamy presented a beautiful saree to Dari, so that we could dress appropriately for this sacred occasion.
We woke up around five in the morning, dressed in our new traditional attire, and proceeded to the temple with great enthusiasm and devotion.
However, to my deep disappointment, I was refused entry unless I removed my turban. As a practicing Sikh, my turban is an inseparable part of my religious identity, and I respectfully declined to remove it.
Consequently, I had to remain outside while Baggi and Dari entered the temple and paid obeisance on my behalf as well.
It was a deeply disappointing experience, particularly after all the preparations and anticipation. I had gone there with sincere reverence, only to find that my religious identity prevented me from entering another sacred place of worship.
Later, some local people suggested that we visit another nearby temple of similar architecture, where we could appreciate its beauty. We followed their advice, and the accompanying photograph was taken during that visit. The comparisons meaningful, although the circumstances were not identical. My refusal to remove my turban was a matter of Sikh religion conviction, while the historical accounts give different explanations for Guru Nanak’s initial exclusion.
The memory remains bittersweet, a beautiful journey overshadowed by the sadness of being unable to enter a temple I had so eagerly wished to visit.
P.S.
It’s important to note two points below:
1. My dear cousin sister, Mrs. Pushpa Agnihotri, affectionately reminded me that, according to a traditional account, even Guru Nanak Dev Ji was initially denied entry to the Jagannath Temple at Puri. She shared this incident to console me and ease my disappointment. Her thoughtful gesture brought me comfort and reminded me that true devotion transcends the boundaries of religious customs and traditions.
The comparisons is meaningful, although the circumstances were not identical. My refusal to remove my turban was a matter of Sikh religion conviction, while the historical accounts give different explanations for Guru Nanak’s initial exclusion.
2. Later, after returning from our trip, another dear friend, V. Ramakrishna, explained to me that, traditionally, in many South Indian temples, devotees are expected to keep their heads uncovered as a mark of reverence and respect for the deity.
His explanation helped me understand that the temple authorities were following their own religious customs rather than necessarily intending any disrespect towards my Sikh identity.
However, in Sikh tradition, covering one’s head, particularly with a turban, is itself a mark of reverence and respect.
I found it rather ironic that what is considered a mark of respect in one religious tradition may be viewed differently in another. Ultimately, both customs arise from devotion to the same Almighty, expressed in different ways.
