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Friday, April 5, 2013

Dashboard-il Dheivam, Car-kul Kumbaabhishegam

Note: If you are keeping any image(s) / statue(s) of Hindu deity in your car and will somehow say : "that's my car, and its my wish", I suggest you don't read any further. But if you care about the Hinduism and its sacred practices, enjoy the article and spread the word. This is a personal opinion, accept or reject at your own will. Thanks.


Many of our Hindu friends and family members are fond of keeping various images / statues of deities in their personal vehicles. Yeah, nothing really wrong about it, as many will say it gives them sense of security, confidence and feel closer to God. However, do we take care of the idols placed in vehicles as what we do in our prayer rooms or temples? Do we keep the place clean and free of any items/acts that can be deemed unholy? Think ...

What are the things we don't do / prohibited in prayer room / temples?

  • we don't wear shoes inside
  • we don't dress scantily
  • we don't go inside if we are dirty, or have not washed our feet / hands
  • ladies don't access if they are menstruating
  • we don't consume any food items, particularly non-vegetarian food
  • we don't drink any drinks, particularly alcoholic beverages
  • we don't keep any items like shoes, dirty clothes etc. inside
  • we don't speak loudly, chat away or make jokes
  • we don't play / listen to songs other than religious ones
  • we don't use vulgar / swear words
  • we don't smoke or allow anyone else to smoke
  • we don't use mobile phones

When we have Hindu deity images / statues in our vehicle, can we ensure all of the above is not done in our vehicles? Its impossible for us to assure that none of the above is violated by the owner / driver or the passengers.  Can we keep our vehicle as clean, holy or sacred as our prayer room or temple?

In addition to these, we also usually perform proper pooja and offerings for deity images / idols at home or temple. This cannot be properly done in vehicles. Some people go further by 'erecting' mini temples / shrines in their car, most are done with elaborate decorations and lighting, which can rival your local temple. We frown upon people who simply build shrines everywhere, not taking care of the sacred practices, but we close an eye when its done in private vehicles. Why?


As I've stated in the beginning of this article, some of the reader may say ... "its not your car!", but I want to say "its our religion, and I care about it". Whatever the responses are, I don't condone the act of keeping any religious images / idols at a place where its not suitable, without proper care. What say you?



In case someone asks : No, I don't have any such items in my car.

20 comments:

  1. Hindu religion in root dont pray to idols. We pray to nature energy (OM syllable) . From there originated bhakti yoga where freedom to pray upon the deity we like. There is no restrictions in praying deity in any specific manner or rules. So, you are talking about disrespecting our Gods. There is no such thing. You might say we should not serve meats to god. But check out on Nayanmar stories, ppl prayed by offering their huntings, eyes, and so many other things. Plz dont write posts about Hinduism and saying that trying to protect it.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. You're entitled for your opinion. In your logic, Hindu deity images can be placed even in toilets? I'm not talking against praying to deity, that's not my point, my point is respecting those deities and the images.

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    2. Yes,it can be placed in toilets. "Thoonilum iruppan, thurumbilum iruppan". You think god is not at toilet ? Dont restrict Hinduism practices upon your own SOP ( Standard of procedure ). Everyone have their own way to pray and get close to God. Let them have their belief in placing God's pic in car or anywhere they like as long its not for mocking sake.

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    3. Not restricting, go ahead. I respect your 'opinion' Mr/Ms Anonymous.

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    4. PLZ comment that in CMM too. :)

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    5. How can you put it in toilet ? Are you out of your mind ? Even humans don't like the idea of being locked in toilet. Whatever your opinions are,be a bit sensible please

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    6. You all talk about GOD in pictures, Im talking about GOD in microscopic level. Dont show emotions of where u placing GOD. Pics is just for aid. God = Energy.

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  2. Replies
    1. LOL, yes we do, but we keep them in alter with good care and cleanliness.

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  3. I support this article. A little sick n tired, looking at cars with elaborate shrines on the dashboard. Practice faith at home, trust in your heart.

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  4. Hi Bro, I like your title "Dashboard-il Dheivam, Car-kul Kumbaabhishegam" ..hah hah hah, very creative. This article has served me well, keep up the good work !

    Regards, fellow -Indian-

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, will keep writing on matters that matters to us ;)

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  5. iraivanai vaithirukkum athe manathilthaan pallane pallane matterriyum vaccirukkingge, dont get me wrong...i am mentioning negative thoughts, anger, lust, arrogance, etc....so yeppadi...thuukidelamaa?

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  6. Well said bro , I get annoyed looking at cars with lot of holy pictures and statues.
    Its not wrong since its your car but give some respect and do it in the proper way.
    Keep your heart and mind clean first, then He wil be with you in all time and there is no need for over dramatic worship.

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    Replies
    1. God = Energy, yes that is 100% true. Just by helping those who are real need of money and food, like single parents, schools etc., God will be beside us.

      Makkal Nesan
      SDD

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  7. Its just for confidence, positive energy and security while driving, If u don't like it don't place it in ur car.
    Learn to respect other religion first bro.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I respect my religion by not placing the idols in places where I wear shoes, use profanity while driving.

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  8. bullshits... mind you own businesses... region is a faith.. everyone has their own faith.. do not compare your faith with others...

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    Replies
    1. its my business to tell what I feel, it is also your business to know the difference between faith and simply following others. I didn't ask you to remove your idols, just that I don't place them at inappropriate places like cars.

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