How technology is enhancing and preserving our faith in the divine

Chartered accountant Amrita Gollapalli is sitting in her cozy Jubilee Hills living room in Hyderabad, the glow of her laptop screen illuminating her face. In front of her is a digital representation of the Tirupati Balaji temple, resplendent with flowers and lamps, while a priest performs puja.

This is a daily habit for the busy-yet-devoted Amrita. She recalls her childhood when her grandmother would lovingly guide her through all the steps. “I can’t always visit a temple due to work, but this way, I’m just a click away from my daily puja,” she says.

Welcome to the digital age of religious practices in India, where the sacred and the virtual coexist. This digital devotion, where technology and faith converge, offers a fascinating insight into how innovation is reshaping the way we connect with the divine. The essence of devotion remains the same, but technology offers new pathways to express it. Devotional songs and hymns that once echoed through temple and church walls respectively, now resonate through the speakers of computers and smartphones.

Virtual yatras and digital prasad

Consider the concept of virtual yatras, where you can embark on a sacred journey without leaving your house. Deexa Nautiyal is an art historian living in Delhi, who has explored digital versions of famous temples and holy sites for religious as well as research purposes.

“It’s fascinating to virtually stroll through the ancient halls of temples. These tours make me feel like I’m there, even though I’m miles away,” she says. Then there are virtual darshans, where devotees seek a glimpse of the divine. Virat Patil, a retired armyman in Pune, swears by virtual darshan. “I can’t make it to the temple because of my bad knees, but I never miss a darshan thanks to the livestreams,” he says.

Lately, many famous temples have started embracing the wonders of technology, and have introduced the concept of digital prasad delivery. Sacred offerings reach devotees at the click of a button. This digital miracle isn’t just about convenience; it’s a heartfelt way of making the sacred more accessible to a wider audience.

Take for instance the Mansa Devi Mandir in Haridwar or the Bohra Ganesh Mandir in Udaipur, where the exquisite prasad is a cherished tradition. Devotees worldwide can now visit a temple aggregator platform such as Tathastulive, place an order for prasad, and receive a confirmation.

Shortly after, a carefully packed “Manokamna box” offered to the God at the temple and imbued with blessings, arrives at your home. The innovation doesn’t stop there. Some temples have even incorporated AR into the experience. Devotees can scan QR codes on the prasad boxes to access multimedia content, from virtual temple tours to live-streamed ceremonies.

Gadgets in the sacred realm

One striking example of the intersection of gadgets and sacred offerings is the use of microwave ovens in the preparation of prasad. Traditionally, prasad was prepared painstakingly on stovetops, with hours of stirring and simmering. The microwave has stepped in today as a time-saving ally.

The prasad kheer or suji halwa that would have taken hours to prepare can now be ready in minutes, ensuring that rituals remain an integral part of our busy lives. Raashi Seth, a homemaker from Mumbai, balances precocious five-year-old twins and joint family chores. “The microwave is a blessing, considering we have multiple ceremonies every month and we have to prepare prasad for all the visitors,” she says.

In a world that’s continually changing and fast-paced, the use of gadgets during festivals like Diwali and Navratri represents a harmonious blend of tradition and technology. Traditionally, oil-based clay diyas were used to adorn homes and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for Diwali. While they continue to be a significant part of the celebration, electric diyas have found their way into our homes.

String lights, fairy lights, and ornate electric lanterns turn living rooms into dazzling showcases of creativity while LED decorations light up outdoor grounds during Navratri. As we celebrate these joyous festivals, we find ourselves in a space where traditions are not lost but rather illuminated by gadgets.

Syncing celebration with technology

Digital calendars for festivals provide timely notifications and reminders for upcoming festivals, ensuring that important dates are never overlooked. Whether it’s the various festivities during the fortnight of Diwali, the solemnity of Eid, the season of Christmas, or a regional harvest celebration, these digital companions guarantee that we are always in tune with our commitments.

Ayesha Baig, a Growth Officer at an MNC in Kolkata has a demanding schedule, balancing work, family, and social engagements, and tends easily lose track of time. However, she is unwavering in her dedication to celebrating Eid with her family. “My digital calendar ensures that I’m never caught off guard when Eid arrives,” she says.

Similarly, Rajesh Parekh, a Mumbai-based share trader relies on his smartphone’s calendar to keep his fasts during Navratri. He says, “When I’m immersed in trading, it’s easy to lose track of time. My digital calendar sends me reminders, so I never miss the auspicious moments to break my fast. It’s like having a personal assistant dedicated to my religious well-being.”

There’s also been a resurgence of interest in traditional chants and prayers, courtesy of mantra, chanting, and prayer apps. Their beauty is not merely their technological convenience; it’s in how they have kindled a renewed interest in ancient practices.

Dedicated apps provide you with the text and audio recording of anything from the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra to the Buddhist mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. Ditto for the Rosary recited by Christians, and Quranic verses and supplications for Muslims. These smartphone apps remind us that within these little devices lies the potential to unearth moments of quiet contemplation.

At a time when the physical and the digital often collide, the heart of devotion remains unwavering. Virtual pujas and darshans, digital prasad delivery and mantra chanting apps are not replacing tradition; they’re enhancing and complementing it. They offer a connection to faith and stillness in an ever-changing and chaotic world.

Kasmin Fernandes is a Mumbai-based music journalist and pop culture blogger