The temple in Matunga stands bang opposite my favourite restaurant. Right infront of the temple, on eitherside of its gates, squatting on the pavement are beggars looking for the coins which the temple-goers may throw into their open palms. There is one squatting among these beggars who is not begging; her palms are open and extended; she is an old woman (perhaps 75 plus) in torn old clothes who has spread a piece of jute cloth. She takes care of the shoes of the temple goers as one should not enter the temple with shoes/chappals on. Not everyone or almost most visitors do not use her services as they may have to give her a two-rupee coin when they claim their shoes back on coming out of the temple' most take advantage of the free service provided by the temple management. once again today i leave my shoes with her- and cross to the other side to the restaurant for my idli and vada - A.Thiagarajan |
"lest the gods whom they have just prayed to mistake them for hard-hearted ones not inclined to help the poor and consequently not grant them their wishes."
I personally feel that this portion which sounds like an ethical judgement may be removed: this will grant the tanka-bun deeper continuity too