Costly coconuts at Hanuman

THE EDITOR: I was one of the many thousands of people who gathered at the datta temple on June 9 for the unveiling of the Hanuman murti. Hanuman is a very powerful inspiration to many Hindus as well as Baptists all over the world, so like many of the people gathered there, I was there because of Hanuman (the god of strength). But I was very disappointed in the way the members of the temple behaved. It is no wonder Indians are looked down on. While talking to some other persons who attended the occasion, I noticed that some people were ripped off. While I paid $20 for two coconuts, some people paid as much as $50 for one. I wonder whose pocket does the extra money go into? Does it go to help the poor people in India? Or does it go towards the up-keep of the temple? Does it go to the Swami? Or even some of the members of the temple?

I have  nothing against the temple, but I do have my doubts about how the temple is managed and the people who manage it. If this is how Indian people operate then call me a Trinidadian because I do not believe in scheming people, that was not what I learnt from my religion and my parents while I was growing up. While I continue to pray to Hanuman to give me the strength to overcome all the unrest in this beloved country, the members of the temple must clean up their act and apologise to Hanuman for exploiting him the way they have.

I  MAHARAJ
Port-of-Spain