In a heart-wrenching incident that mirrors the plot of the blockbuster movie Bichagadu, a professional advocate has turned into a beggar at the Vemulawada Rajanna Temple. Kasarla Jalandhar Reddy, a lawyer from Manthani, along with his wife Sirisha, has been begging for the past three months, hoping for a divine intervention to cure her chronic illness. The couple’s story came to light during a counseling session for beggars organized by the Rajanna Sircilla District Collector, where officials were stunned to hear the duo speaking fluent English.
Jalandhar Reddy revealed that he previously practiced law in Karimnagar while his wife worked in a private firm. After their marriage in 2006, the couple faced severe hardships as Sirisha fell ill. Despite spending all their savings and visiting numerous hospitals, her condition did not improve. Driven by desperation and a deep-seated belief that begging at the holy shrine would restore her health, the advocate gave up his profession to take up this spiritual penance. Sirisha also highlighted their financial struggles, noting that despite her polio-related disability, she has not been receiving a government pension.
The Intersection of Faith and Science
The incident has sparked a significant debate on social media regarding the efficacy of such spiritual vows. From a traditional perspective, the Karma Theory in the Bhagavad Gita suggests that acts of penance (Tapas), sacrifice (Yajna), and charity (Dana) can neutralize past sins and purify the mind. Spiritual experts argue that such extreme humility—like begging—helps dissolve the ego and attracts divine grace.
However, it is vital to balance faith with reality. While spiritual practices can provide immense mental strength and peace, they are not a substitute for scientific medical treatment. Even great spiritual leaders like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa faced terminal illnesses (throat cancer), viewing them as divine play rather than something to be cured solely by spirituality. Faith can strengthen the will to live, but for biological healing, modern medicine remains the grounded peer-recommended path.
