Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Nov 2: "The power to modify religious traditions is not vested with Supreme Court (SC). At the same time, the government cannot take decisions relating to religions. The task of making changes in traditions is best left to the religious leaders and devotees," felt Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.
He was speaking after taking part at a programme to offer special puja to Lord Ayyappa on Thursday November 1 at MGM College ground here. The programme was held under the leadership of Shashikumar Varma, a descendant of Pandala lineage of kings and chairman of Pandala Palace Trust from Kerala under the aegis of Dharma Trust.
"Sabarimala is a central point of Hindu unity. This pilgrimage centre also gets credit for properly enforcing religious discipline. But orders passed by the SC on the issue of allowing entry for women into Lord Ayyappa shrine has created a sense of apprehension among the Hindus. Therefore, this verdict should be reviewed," he urged.
The Swamiji insisted that change in tradition should be brought about only if there is widespread support for the move by Hindu society. "Opinion of devotees and women is final. Hindu religion has never insulted women," he explained.
He said that Kerala government has been committing atrocities on the believers and showing autocratic behaviour. "I am always in favour of making changes in traditions. I was the first to change traditions as far as treatment of Dalits is concerned. I will oppose if the judgment is against construction of temple for Lord Ram. In this issue too, the final decision should be left to religious scholars and devotees. Change should be made only if Hindus are agreeable," he opined.
Before the programme, a procession accompanied by troupes singing devotional songs hailing Lord Ayyappa was taken from Big Bazar to MGM ground.
Ramachandra Swamiji of Uttara Kashi Kapilashram, cine actor, K Shivaram, member of Pandala lineage of kings, Meera Shashikumar Varma, Kuntaru Raveesh Tantry, religious leader, Balakrishna Hegde Karkala, Hariyappa Kotian, Baikady Suprasad Shetty, Bhojaraj R Kidiyoor, Balakrishna Ameen, Uday Shetty Karkala, Kaup Gopal Poojary, Babu Shetty, Raju Guruswamy Byndoor and others were present.
Girish, president of Ayyappa Seva Samaj, welcomed.