Should one go to a known temple on an auspicious day? Well if you want to ruin your day you might.

Today, my friend and I went to **Shri Gauri Sharnkar Mandir** at **Chandni Chowk**. It's said that this mandir is 800 years old, and since it was his birthday and celebration of the auspicious occasion of Shivratri, we wanted to visit a temple known for its **history** and **manyata** (belief). We initially went there with the thought of praying together and receiving Mahadev's blessings on this very special day, but things took a completely opposite turn. Our day was **ruined** by the **temple**, its **poor maintenance**, the **visitors**, and the **priests**. We reached the temple around 3:20 in the afternoon and stood in an extremely long line. Everything seemed fine as we were eager to reach the final destination, which was in God's shade. Slowly, we started to realize that people lacked **common sense**. Everyone was **cutting in line**—an **ambulance** was **stuck** amidst the crowd, and shoppers were carrying heavy items on their heads while weaving through the lines. It wasn't too bad at first, but soon the two lines became three and then even four. Despite the mess, we were determined to move forward. A group of **aunties** was randomly trying to **break the line** by **pushing others**, and the irony was that when others did the same, they became angry. Anyway, we were an hour in, with no turning back and no plan to leave. Eventually, the line improved and split into two again. Just as things seemed to be getting better and people were enjoying themselves, a group of **illiterate people broke the line** and started forming a third line. It became so **chaotic** that one lady fainted from claustrophobia and the heat. The aunties were trying to get in, while the uncles showed no sense at all. What I mean to say is that it was **a crowd with no common sense**—constantly **breaking the line** and **creating chaos** for everyone. Finally, after t**wo hours** of what felt like a test from God, we entered the temple only to realize that there was a **VIP ticket line** that was almost empty. We were still excited to perform the ritual together. However, when we arrived at the **gate of the main darbar, they did not let us in**—**not even to perform the jal avishek on the shivling, nor to see the Bhagwan.** The gate was **open only for VIPs.** The **pandit** took everything from us and asked us to pour the milk into something that looked like a drain. Frustrated after a two-hour wait just to **pour milk into a drain**, I ended up taking out my frustration at the pandit—which, in hindsight, was wrong. Then, as my friend took me out, something **stabbed me in the foot**—apparently a cap from the Gangajal that had been poured into the **drain**. At that point, I was so frustrated that I decided I would **never visit these big, famous temples on such days again**. I'm so **disappointed** with everything that I felt compelled to share this on Reddit, so people know how these **temples hurt** the **feelings** of **devotees,** **care** only **about** their **profit**, and have turned **God into a business**. All I wanted to do was visit a mandir with some meaning, but I left feeling both disappointed and frustrated. If you ever think that going to such places is a good idea, trust me, it's not—they will **hurt your feelings**. You should go to your local temples instead; they are welcoming and have far fewer crowds. If you want to pray in peace, **avoid big temples**. I urge the **government** to look into this matter and help the innocent devotees. I also ask everyone to use common sense when standing and walking in line—a line exists for a reason, so please maintain it properly. I hope this post reaches everyone so that people understand the reality of these temple businesses and don't get **scammed** like I did. \#India #delhi #chandnichowk #shrigaurishankarmandir #bhakti #sanatan #mandir #temple #shivmandir #shivji #devotion #devotees #festival #modisarkar #yogiadityanath #narendramodi #Indiangovernment #fraud #vip