Premanand Maharaj: Many times such questions arise which seem ordinary, but their answers arouses a very deep understanding and reverence. When a devotee goes to take Thakur’s Shree Vigraha (ie buying the idol), the question may come to mind whether it is wrong to choose the idol? Is it appropriate to see your likes and dislikes in it? And the most important, is it right to negotiate Thakur ji while taking Shree Vigraha? A devotee sought the answer to these questions from Premanand Maharaj.
Premanand Maharaj explained that it is not wrong to take care of your likes and dislikes while choosing Thakur ji’s Shree Vigraha. It is natural to select until the Deity is seated in service. But, when Thakur ji comes to the house, sits in service, then it is wrong to see someone else’s Thakur ji in front of him.
No value, a sense of gift
Premanand Maharaj further said that while giving money, it should be remembered that we are giving gifts to Thakur ji. In such a situation, it is wrong to negotiate. If the seller says 45,000, we should not make a deal by saying 40,000. If we have only 4,000, then we should say honestly, ‘I have the same, please accept it’. But there should be no sense of negotiation. Thakur ji should not be negotiated, not negotiated.
What to do if improper value
The devotee asked what should be done if the seller demands inappropriate value? On this, Premanand Maharaj said that this is not possible. If the value of a Srivigraha is 45,000, then it does not have the courage to demand 1 lakh. Because Thakur ji himself is seated inside him. Whatever value he asks for, it will not be a crime. Thakur ji has no value, and who has coined him, his labor and feelings are invaluable. Therefore, the more you ask for the aspiring, they should not back down in giving as much as you ask.
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