Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Dec 6: Pejawar Swamiji has taken a historic decision to adopt Edesnana instead of the age old practice of Madesnana during the present Subramanya Champa Shashti festival in Sri Krishna Math following stay order by the Supreme Court and opposition from left wing. The Edesnana rituals were held in the temple on Monday, December 5.

Thousands of devotees in the past used to roll over the plantain leaves as part of fulfilment of vows when Brahmins finish eating on them. The practice was called Madesnana. The left wing organizations had held widespread protests including surrounding and seizure of the Math against it. The dispute reached the Supreme Court which ordered that it should be stopped.

The number of devotees in the temple has decreased considerably after abolition of Madesnana. Some of the devotees alleged that Madesnana had done good to them. In Edesnana, devotees roll on Prasadam and plantain leaves. The Prasadam and the leaves are fed to the cows after that.

Ramachandra Bhat, Math official said that Madesnana was helpful in the treatment of skin diseases but Edesnana is conducted instead of Madesnana as per Supreme Court orders.