Opinion: Why Virat Kohli, India cricketers’ visit to Mahakaleshwar Temple holds significance

Sporting the traditional outfit, a dhoti and an angavastram, the India cricketer attended the ‘Bhasma Aarti’ in the wee hours on March 4. The power couple even participated in a ‘Jalabhishek’ of the deity in the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Virat and Anushka arrived at the temple in Ujjain after the conclusion of the third Test match between India and Australia in Indore. Team India lost the match by 9 wickets in which the talismanic batter failed to make an impact in either innings.

The right-handed batter – who has been struggling for runs in the red-ball format lately – scored 22 and 13 runs in the two innings of the match at Holkar Stadium, which concluded within three days. Before Kohli, his teammate KL Rahul and his newly wedded wife actor Athiya Shetty also arrived at the doorsteps of the Mahakal to seek His blessings.

In January, several Indian cricketers visited the temple of Lord Shiva in the ancient Indian city along and attended the Bhasma Aarti ahead of the ODI match against New Zealand in Indore. India batter Suryakumar Yadav, while interacting with the media persons after coming out of the temple, said he prayed for the speedy recovery of his compatriot Rishabh Pant – who survived a near-fatal car accident in December last year.

Similar pictures flooded social media when the Indian cricket team visited Thiruvananthapuram for the ODI match against Sri Lanka in January. Several cricketers went to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy temple in the southern state to get the blessings of Lord Ananta.

During their visit to Dharamsala for a cricket match, the players visited the Buddhist Monastery in Mcleodganj to seek the blessings of the Dalai Lama.

Former India cricketer and legendary captain MS Dhoni’s visits to the Deori temple in Jharkhand and his devotion to the deity isn’t hidden from the world. One of the most followed athletes in the country begins every important task in his life after seeking the blessings of the goddess.

Cricketers sending a strong message with such visits

Although visiting a temple could be ones personal choice but with their constant visits to the places of worship and pilgrim sites which are scattered all over the country, the cricketers are doing a great deal of good.

Apart from seeking divine interventions for themselves and their loved ones, the athletes are also sending a strong message to millions of fans that they are mere mortals just like others.

With visits to the holy sites and bowing in front of the deity, the athletes – who are given superstar status in a cricket-crazy nation – are spreading the message that everyone is equal in front of the almighty and be grateful for whatever they have.

The cricketers are youth icons and role models for millions of youngsters and with such gestures, they are sending a strong message to their Gen-Z or millennial fans that visiting temples or places of worship doesn’t reflect a conservative ideology. Instead, it teaches everyone should remain grounded and stay associated with their roots.

As Virat and Rahul are both not going through the best of phases professionally and fans on social media opine that the cricketers are seeking divine intervention to regain their form. Although, it could be a misconstrued opinion as they could be visiting the temple out of sheer devotion.

The cricketers have a very hectic lifestyle due to a packed and busy schedule. But they are taking time out of their tight schedule and visiting the temple like any other devotee also sends a message that everyone should have time for themselves and family members to visit places where they can feed off the positive vibes.

Spiritual speakers and lifestyle coaches also preach about visiting such places for they greatly help in lifting the spirits of people.

Promoting tourism and culture

Being the automatic brand ambassadors of the country, the cricketers are also promoting Indian culture and tradition and, thus, playing an important role in boosting tourism as well. Such visits are going to benefit the state coffers for they are directly or indirectly encouraging their fans or followers to visit such sites.