Many times during yatras, I have noticed myself and other devotees getting sidetracked from our real purpose due to the influence of excessive commercialization. In most holy places, extensive commercialization has, to an extent, diminshed the external ‘peace’ and tranquil that pervades the dham.

We desire to approach a holy place in a prayerful mood, yet the atmosphere often overpowers our intelligence. Hawkers, people clicking photos, honking vehicles—so many distractions! Additionally, there are pujaris who insist (or rather force) devotees to give donations. Our only goal then becomes escaping their clutches, or worse, avoiding such places altogether.

How, then, can we maintain a blissful consciousness amidst these distractions and diversions while visiting holy places?

Darshans and Pujaris

1. Consciousness Matters More Than Money

I recall an incident from around 11 years ago when I had taken my vehicle to the local ISKCON temple. Generally, we would park outside and visit the temple. Later, some changes took place, and occasionally, people would ask for parking charges, which irritated me.

One day, as I was traveling, I had already decided that I would not give any money to these individuals if they were present. As soon as I parked, one of them approached me for payment. Anticipating this, I firmly refused. A petty quarrel began, and I went inside without paying anything.

However, even though I was physically present in the temple, my consciousness remained stuck in that incident. Later, I realized it would have been wiser to avoid the argument and simply give 5-10 rupees to settle the matter.

Similarly, seeing pujaris with a materialistic mindset only disturbs our own peace of mind. Instead of allowing ourselves to become disturbed, it is often better to simply give a small donation and remain peaceful. This allows us to keep our consciousness undisturbed and focused on Krishna.

2. Why Be Concerned About What Others Say?

If we are too concerned about what people say, we may feel uneasy about receiving a harsh reply from pujaris. In such cases, following the previous approach—giving a small amount and moving on—is helpful.

Alternatively, we can strive to change our own perspective. In every aspect of life, we will inevitably encounter people who do not resonate with our thoughts, behavior, and actions. Some may even try to agitate us.

If we learn to rise above such interactions, we will no longer be bothered by them. We will remain focused, take peaceful darshan, and leave the temple feeling spiritually uplifted.

They are doing their service of asking for donations, we must continue with our service of begging the Lord for His mercy !

Other Forms of Commercialization That Distract Our Focus

Apart from interactions with pujaris, there are numerous other forms of commercialization that can divert our attention from our spiritual goals. What can we do in such cases?

The key to remaining unaffected is to be deeply absorbed in thoughts of eternity. If we habitually engage in loose talk, gossip, or time-wasting activities, then naturally, we will be drawn toward external distractions. However, if we purify our hearts and minds through sincere sadhana, commercialization will have little effect on us.

Even when walking or driving on a road, if our mind is absorbed in something, we barely notice glamorous shops or distractions around us. Just as a person engrossed in deep thought fails to notice what is happening around them, a devotee deeply engaged in Krishna consciousness can remain unaffected by external commercialization.

The effect of dham cannot be waned by commercialization. It is our vision that gets affected. By maintaining a spiritual vision, we can rise above this petty commercialization and relish the holy places with a peaceful mind, and realize the presence of the Supreme Lord and His devotees.