????? ?? ?? : The Rise of Religious Entrepreneurship

Radhe Radhe, LinkedIn friends!

As I write this note from Kanpur, I am on a spiritual journey to the Kumbh Mela, reflecting on my travels through Mathura, Vrindavan, and Agra. Being an admirer of Hindu religious values and temple culture, I made it a point to visit as many temples as possible while driving from Jaipur to the Kumbh.

One thought that constantly intrigues me is how temples and religion create livelihoods for so many people. Some see it as an entrepreneurship opportunity, while others criticize the commercialization of faith. But at the end of the day, millions depend on this ecosystem for their survival.

A funny incident in Mathura: While walking towards Banke Bihari Temple, a few locals warned me to keep my glasses in my pocket. I ignored the advice—big mistake! Within moments, a mischievous monkey swooped down out of nowhere and snatched my prescription glasses right off my face. I barely had time to blink! He climbed up to the highest rooftop, mocking me with funny faces as if enjoying my helplessness.

Just as I was wondering what to do, a street ‘entrepreneur’ approached me with a confident smile: "Bhaiya, don’t worry, I can get your glasses back." I was skeptical but intrigued. How? "Simple—monkeys love fruit drinks. I’ll bribe him, climb up, and retrieve your glasses. Just tip me whatever you feel like.

With no better option, I agreed. He bought a fruit drink from a nearby vendor, but when I asked for change, the shopkeeper made his own business pitch: "Sir, I haven't made any sales since morning. Why not buy a full prasad thali for the temple?"

And just like that, I spent ?1000—not just on the monkey’s ransom but also on temple offerings.

True to his word, the guy got my glasses back, and I even recorded a video of the monkey playing with them before surrendering.

Inside the temple: As I entered, I encountered another set of "facilitators"—guides and priests offering a VIP darshan for a small fee. After some thought, I paid up. The result? An express entry into the temple.

Waiting for the darshan, I couldn’t help but observe how many priests and managers seemed more interested in money than devotion. It’s a reality I’ve noticed across temples from South to North India—except Jain temples, where tipping isn’t as aggressively pursued.

Many argue that temples have become industries fueled by fear and money, but here’s a different perspective: this ecosystem provides employment to thousands—guides, priests, vendors, security guards, and even the ‘monkey negotiators’! If travelers like us don’t contribute to this cycle, many would struggle to make ends meet.

So, instead of resentment, I choose a positive attitude—seeing it as "Aastha Se Aay" (Faith to Income).

More stories to come once I reach the Kumbh Mela! Until then, Radhe Radhe! ????

#SpiritualJourney #KumbhMela #TempleEconomy #FaithAndBusiness