Negotiating through the cars
and autorickshaws I am in the
North Gopuram of Meenakshi temple,
once hailed as Mottai Gopuram
Mottai corresponds to bald.
Passing through the security check,
the archana basket being inspected
I walk to the sanctum.
Tickets are up for darshan
buying a 100 RS. ticket
I join a queue,
the one moves faster
beside me is the longest
the free darshan,
In the middle, walk
the officials, the politicians,
their relations and friends
unbound and free, I am
a few meters away
The priests occupy the best part
devotees could see only their backs.
Perceiving Meenakshi’s profile
I wait for a thorough darshan
A policeman with a lathi
commands me to move
amma, get lost, get away,
he shouts.
Exhaustion throws me out
of gear. Disheartened, unable
to experience the grace, I
walk through the corridors.
I am in no mind to enjoy
the architectural splendour,
Meenas Poems 