In a society that prides itself on kindness and compassion, a recent incident near the Khatu Shyam Temple in Rajasthan has left many questioning whether these values still hold true. What should have been a simple act of providing help during an emergency quickly turned into a disturbing situation, sparking outrage across social media. The troubling case highlights how vulnerability can sometimes be exploited when we least expect it.
A family’s pilgrimage turns into a nightmare
A family, who had traveled to Khatu Shyam Temple to fulfill a long-held wish of their elderly mother, arrived early to experience the darshan in the simplest way possible. Their mother, who believed in the equality of all at the divine doorstep, often said, “Bhagwan k darwaze par kya VIP? Sab ek hain” (At God’s doorstep, is there VIP treatment? Everyone is equal). The family, following her wishes, had no expectations other than a peaceful visit to the temple.
However, as they stood in line for the darshan, the elderly woman began to feel suddenly unwell. Nausea, stomach cramps, and the strong urge to vomit struck her, and she soon became too weak to stand. As the family tried to manage the situation, they began frantically searching for a restroom, but there were none to be found nearby. The closest available facilities were basic public bathing areas, completely unsuitable for their urgent need.
LinkedIn post shared by the original poster:
Desperation leads to an unbelievable request
With no other option, the family hurried to a nearby hotel, hoping to use its restroom for a few minutes. Their only request was simple: just access to a clean bathroom to help their sick mother. However, what they were met with was an unthinkable response.
The receptionist, after assessing the woman’s condition, demanded ₹800 for restroom access. Shocked and desperate, the family had no choice but to pay the overcharged amount. Caught in the middle of a medical emergency, they felt helpless, forced to choose between their mother’s urgent health needs and the shockingly high cost of using a bathroom.
A bill for basic dignity: A shocking encounter
When the father asked for a bill, the situation became even more absurd. The receptionist, seemingly irritated, suggested, “Bill chodiye 100 rupya kam de dijiye” (“Forget the bill, just give me 100 rupees less”). This unsettling response was a clear indication of the receptionist’s indifference. Reluctantly, after further insistence, a bill for ₹805 was finally provided.
While the amount charged was shocking, what hurt the family more was the lack of empathy and basic kindness. In a LinkedIn post, one of the family members shared how deeply it affected them: “I’m still trying to understand… How can someone see a woman in pain and still put a price on basic humanity? What have we become?”
A sacred place, a disturbing reality
This incident happened at Khatu Shyam Temple, a place known for its spiritual importance, where millions visit in search of peace and blessings. It’s meant to be a space that encourages kindness and compassion, but what this family went through was the exact opposite. At a time when they needed support, they were treated in a way that took away their dignity.
The family didn’t share their story to get sympathy. They wanted people to know how badly they were treated during a crisis. They ended their post with a powerful question that touched many hearts: “Are we really progressing as humans? Or are we just losing our soul on the way?”
Thumbnail Image and Embedded Post Courtesy of: Megha Upadhyay (via LinkedIn)
