Prayers and Polls
As election time in Uttar Pradesh nears, leaders are taking precious time off from electioneering to drive down to Peetambara Peeth in Datia.
Election time in Uttar Pradesh has seen a rush of state politicians to the Peetambara Peeth in Datia, 30 km from Jhansi, in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. But it's not just votes they're hoping to bag at this Hindu shrine and centre of tantric learning. Local belief has it that the deity, Maa Baglamukhi, can make the wishes of devotees come true-in this case help politicians win elections.
Temple priests will tell you that an anushthan (prayer) dedicated to the goddess helps the worshipper do a shatrunaash (neutralise rivals), and fine-hone their vaaksiddhi and vaad-vivaad (oratory and debating skills).
Polls are a hectic time at the shrine. This time too, bookings were made months in advance. And leaders are taking precious time off from electioneering to drive down to Datia on the date and time assigned to them. While the priests refuse to divulge any names or the money spent on the rituals, several prominent faces, including BJP chief Amit Shah and Union home minister Rajnath Singh were spotted here in recent weeks.
Peetambara Peeth has an impressive line-up of devotees, including Bollywood and cricket stars, besides politicians. Currently on a forced sabbatical, the Samajwadi Party's Amar Singh drops by regularly. As does Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje.