*Source: Illuminating Interactions*
A delegation from a temple came and had the Darshan of the Acharya at a certain town.
The chief of the group submitted a request at His lotus feet.
Chief: Despite our Herculean effort, the temple doesn't seem to become popular. We therefore
seek Your grace to realize our goal.
H.H: Are the Archakas (priests) working in your temple comfortable with their job?
Chief: (Though finding the question irrelevant) Yes, Swamiji. They are.
H.H: Well, why don't you hold a frank chat with them and come back to Me?
Chief: (All the more confused) We shall do as You say, Swamiji.
They came back to His Holiness later on the day.
H.H: Did you speak to them?
Chief: Yes, Guruji, we did.
H.H: What happened?
Chief: We were surprised to understand that they are not at all comfortable with the job.
H.H: (Smiling) Have you asked for the reason?
Chief: Yes, Guruji. We have even prepared a list of their requirements.
H.H: That's good. Try to fulfil their requirements. See that they are happy with their jobs. Once
you achieve this, the popularity for the temple will increase automatically.
The divine command was promptly carried out. The committee members were astonished to
find that within a few weeks, there was a massive increase in the number of devotees visiting
the temple. A delegation was again formed and it went to meet His Holiness Who was then in
another place. Offering their obeisance to His Holiness, the chief submitted:
Chief: The temple has now become increasingly popular due solely to Acharyal's timely
guidance. On behalf of all of us, I have a request to Acharyal. How did Acharyal link the
Archakas and the popularity of the temple? Would Acharyal kindly bless us with the answer?
H.H: (Chanting a verse in Sanskrit) The sanctity of the deity in a temple goes with the intensity
of the sincere worship offered by the Archakas. When they are not comfortable, the sincerity of
worship decreases, and thereby the sanctity. Sans sanctity, the temple remains unpopular. This
was why I asked you to fulfil the needs of the Archakas.
The representatives remained dumbstruck.
*The book deals with the anecdotes of Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamin*
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