Indian Temples Surge in Popularity Amid US Visa Uncertainty

INIndia|

As US immigration policies tighten, Indian professionals are increasingly turning to Hindu temples for divine intervention in securing US visas. The phenomenon has been particularly notable at the Chamatkari Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad, where applicants place their passports before Lord Hanuman and recite hymns, hoping for favorable outcomes. Temple priest Vijay Bhatt claimed that many devotees experienced expedited visa approvals after performing rituals, stating, “If you believe, it will happen.”

The situation stems from executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump, which intensified scrutiny of visa applications. This has led to concerns about the future of the H-1B visa program, crucial for skilled workers, with a significant majority of recipients hailing from India.

At Hyderabad's Chilkur Balaji temple, devotees perform extensive rituals including 108 circumambulations, demonstrating their dedication. One engineer shared that despite being the only one among eleven applicants to receive approval, she continues to visit the temple regularly. Temple priests report that many go to great lengths—such as dietary restrictions over extended periods—expressing their earnest hopes for visa success.

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