Widows honored at Kudroli Gokarnanath Temple

Widows honored at Kudroli Gokarnanath Temple

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 3: As many as 2,300 women who had lost their husbands and were alienated and discriminated against by society for this reason were honored at Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple on October 3 Monday at a special ceremony organized by the temple authorities to put an end to the unjust way widows are being treated in society.

 

 

 

Social activist and educationist Lion Kripa Alva spoke of her terrible experiences as a widow in society ever since her husband died 19 years back. Stating that she wasn’t allowed to actively participate in any religious function, including her own brother’s wedding, she said that she had to even deal with low self-esteem issues, which became worse because of the social attitude toward widows. Lauding B. Janardhan Poojary for his move to honor widows and reform society, she said that this move will assist in eradicating man-made traditions that have been forced on innocent women in the guise of God-given rules. 

Mulki Panchayat member Vimala S. Poojary lauded the temple efforts and said that the people who confine widows to the corners of their houses will do nothing for their children’s welfare. 

A special Chandika Homa formed the beginning of the event. A silver car was then pulled around the temple by these women, who were then permitted to raise the aarati to the deity. 

Speaking on the occasion, Janardhan Poojary said that mothers are equal to God himself and performed the aarati for the women present. He then distributed kumkum, saris, bangles, and flowers among the women. 

Later interacting with reporters, he said that women have equal rights and should be respected irrespective of whether their husbands are alive or not. He also said that widows must wear kumkum as a symbol of self-respect. He also suggested that the word “widow” should not be used while referring to them. Instead of “widow,” he suggested the term “honourable women.”