A Jodhpur priest challenges blind beliefs, saying “Ye Shashtron Mein Nahi Hai” to discourage harmful rituals and promote civic sense, blending faith with social responsibility and encouraging cleanliness and practical thinking.
The debate around civic sense is currently gaining momentum in India, and a priest from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur appears to be taking it upon himself to explain its true meaning. Pandit Jeevraj Shrimali has been actively cleaning religious ponds and urging devotees to use designated bins to dispose of prayer leftovers such as flowers, cloth pieces, coconuts and other ritual items. He often shares the shocking items he finds in these water bodies – objects that people throw in due to superstitious beliefs. Many think that immersing old pictures of deities, sweets, grains or oil in water brings good fortune or spiritual merit. However, such practices pollute water bodies and harm aquatic life. This is why responsible waste disposal and moving away from superstitious customs are important.
Beyond ‘Innocent’ Offerings
Flowers and fruits are not the only items polluting religious water bodies; many people also use them as dumping grounds for household garbage. During his cleaning drives, Shrimali has collected everything from buckets full of glass bangles to old sandals wrapped in plastic bags.
This negligence directly threatens marine life and water quality.
