Governments and courts cannot stop Made Snana – temple priest

Governments and courts cannot stop Made Snana – temple priest

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 18, 2012: Addressing a press conference held at Press Club on July 18, Wednesday, Krishna Prasad, priest of Kukke Subramanya Temple, said that no court or government can stop the temple from organizing its annual Made Snana ritual.

Stating that the annual festival of Kukke Subramanya Temple is held for 15 days and Made Snana is a ritual that is being held from times immemorial, he said that devotees believe that the ritual can protect them from harm while certain groups of progressive thinkers have conveyed the idea that the ritual discriminates against certain castes.

 

He said that it is wrong of people who are unaware of the Vedas and the temple’s history to speak against its rituals and warned people to avoid mixing religion with politics. Stating that only the devotees have any say on matters related to the temple, the deities, and the rituals, he urged outsiders to avoid interfering in the beliefs of the local people.

Pointing out that certain Jain sects follow strange rituals, he said that nobody objects when North Indian sadhus take part in the temple festival without wearing any clothes. He also said that the temple authorities are willing to allow Dalits to offer puja to the deity, provided the government gives reservations to Brahmins.

He said that the temple will not stop Made Snana because it will hurt the feelings of devotees who are benefited by it. He also pointed out that several temples all over Karnataka are conducting this ritual and demanded to know why restrictions are placed only on Kukke Subrahmanya Temple.

Responding to the recent public statements issued by Shri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji, Pejawar Mutt seer, he said that swamijis have no power to change temple rules, only the temple management and its priests have the power to do so. He demanded to know why the swamiji did not appoint a Dalit as his junior pontiff if he is so much interested in Dalit welfare.

Rajesh N. S., a resident of Subrahmanya, said that Made Snana is not forced on anyone, but people from all walks of life, including police officers, lawyers, and even celebrities practice it. So far no devotee has complained of getting skin problems after practicing Made Snana. He said that devotees will fight for their rights if the government tries to ban this ritual.

Montu and Nagesh A. V., leaders of the Malekudiya community, and Lakshmeesh Gabbaladka, temple priest, were also present at the press conference.