Of Holi and viruses in mind and body.....

Of Holi and viruses in mind and body.....

This Holi was different. Our building which normally reverberates in the festivities of colour decided to keep safe distance from water and colours thanks to corona virus. The only thing which remained unchanged was the breakfast and lunch followed by the boisterous game of housie. Conversations coloured our day in the absence of water and colours. However they proved to be a poor second for they were surely not as much fun as coloring friends or throwing water on them.
The children were most disappointed, specially Vishnu as this is his favourite festival but they switched over to playing cricket.
Holi of course is laced with traditions. The celebrations begin with the 'Holi ka Dahan' or the burning of Holika which is symbolic of Prahalad's victory over Hiranyakashipu and the blessings of Lord Vishnu in His Narsimha Avtaar.
There are many temples dedicated to Lord Narsimha but how many would know that a temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha exists in Multan which is now in Pakistan? Of course it is now in ruins but legend says that the temple is located at the site where Prahalada had himself constructed the original temple. It is the place where Lord Narasimha is said to have appeared out of pillar to save Prahalada from his father Hiranyakashyapu. The tradition and the festival of Holika Dahan is also believed to have started here. According to Prahalad Puraan the place came to be known as Prahaladpuri.
Interestingly there is a dargaah adjacent to the temple and it was known for its Mela or fairs. Since this place was the mool sthan or place of origin of Kashyap Rishi it was also known as Moolsthan. As the temple fell into ruins, the idol of Lord Nasrsimha has been shifted to Haridwar. However this is the folk lore of Multan's probable nomenclature.
It is said that the temple was totally destroyed in retaliation to the Babri masjid demolition in 1992 reflecting on the attitude of fanatics.
Spiritualism is way above narrow parochialism. No religion preaches hatred or animosity unfortunately a few unmindful and opportunistic individuals deepen the rife.
These feelings of animosity are worse than any corona virus and can cause much more harm to society. While pre-recorded caller tunes and several watsap messages may teach us how to prevent and avoid getting infected or affected by corona virus yet there are no ways to teach us to reach out to the parochial minds.
It is time we learnt to overcome the virus of hatred and animosity and learn to co-exist in peace. As Martin Luther King Jr has said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
The festival of Holi in reality is an expression of love, affection and bonding in the community. It signifies the bonding of mind and souls and unison of our spirits. It may have originated with Lord Krishna at Mathura and Vridavana but has spread all over the country. These colors bring the message of love and brotherhood.. So whenever we splash colors on somebody, we are bound by brotherhood and commitment for life.
Holi makes us rise above all base feelings, reach out to people and revel in joy. It teaches us to forget our grudges, forgive even our enemies and rejoice. And as we wash off our grudges let us not forget to wash our hands, maintain hygeine and keep away the corona virus.....