After all, pilgrimage is for softening the heart, widening the outlook, expanding the circle of sympathy; not for collecting curios or pictures or Prasaadham packets or idols and images. It is more a matter for the Nethra (eye) than for the Paathra (vessel). Pilgrimages should be as silent as the eyelids dropping on the eye. Why should people wag their tongues and shout and wrangle when they are God-ward bound? Truly, all Kshethras (places of pilgrimage) and all Yaathras (pilgrimages) are in yourself. You are ever on a pilgrimage, though you might not have taken a step forward towards Badhri or Kaashi. Do not feel sad that you did not get the Abhisheka Theertha (holy water used for consecrating the idol) from Gangothri, which was used for the Nethra Lingam. I can see that all of you are desirous of getting it ever since you heard from others about the event at Badri. I shall get you the Gangothri Theertham here itself and give you, do not worry.

People may say that pilgrimages are a waste of time and money; but let Me tell you that it is the best way of spending time and money, provided one has real devotion. Bhakthi is no sign of weakness; it is a sign of courage, of wisdom, of discrimination; it alone can give Soukhyam and Shaanthi (happiness and peace). Every one has one day or other to fall in line with you, for every one is terribly anxious to get these two. They try, in their ignorance or excitement, various other remedies, but this remedy alone can cure them.

Discourse, Prashanthi Nilayam, 4 July 1961