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Hindus on pilgrimageBy JOHN T. VAN HOOK JR.Special Correspondent U. S. Peace Corps ' KANYAKUMARI — Called Cape Comorin in English — in Southern India is a familiar spot for the pilgrim-minded Hindu. «The local swami most quoted in this area is the now deceased Swami Vivekanaiida whose supernatural power is sometimes unbelievable, retold by the town folk.In honor of the late swami, several capitalistic minded investors have erected an exhibition which seems to be a simplified museum.It does give the realistletouch to the religiously orientated town.But the people still arrive daily for the fulfillment and enlightment from the Hindu god.While in Kanyakumari, I had the delightful opportunity to talk to a pilgrim for three hours on the front porch of a hotel about his pilgrimage.The conversation was communicated In Hindi, and broken English which proved to be most stimulating.The man, a government service holder, was 55 years old, and he was a Panda, the highest Hindu caste.His frequently stated idea was to “find the direction to the god.He felt by making the pilgrimage the answers were sure to come.But when asked, “Have you made other pilgrimages?’ {translated from Hindi to English) ho replied, “Oh! yes, I made one last week to a temple near Madras, but was not humble enough before the god, as to be given the direction.”And then we became involved in a more specific discussion of the phrases: the God or a God.'He had never questioned this possibility of God not existing.And, he vehemently suggested that most Hindus were of the same feeling which is obviously open to question.But, respecting this man’s sincere beliefs, I felt the topic should not be pursued any more.I have found that the topic of religion is easily openedand Investigated over here because the people are sincerely interested to tell you all they know about their religion.But that seems to be a universal quality among all peoples and their religions of this oarth.For the pilgrim, as well as Uie traveler, the quiet town of Kanyakumari where the' Bay of the Bengal meets t.he Indian Ocean is a spot that should not be bypassed while one wanders around the ever fascinating country of India.
Newspaper Details
Alton Evening Telegraph
Alton, Illinois, US
Sat, Apr 15, 1972
Page 14
Full Page
Clipped by
Hayner P.
IL, USA 14 Dec 2023
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