Subrahmanya: The devotes of “Madesnaana” ritual during Kukke Champashashti Utsava at Sri Subrahmanya Temple, is done voluntarily, and not open for inspection as Dalit leaders recently tried to find out, and those who took vows to roll ever “leftovers on Banana Leaves” by certain diseases out of their faith in Lord Naga Subrahmanya. The holy place (Kshetra) where snakes preside is like a burning fir, and not a subject for demeaning debate. Outsiders, who have no faith, should not talk loosely about the shrine, nor condemn the ritual which is not within DC’s jurisdiction or law claimed by Dalits. If certain persons do not want the harmless, non-violent the holy temple premises, said senior astrologer Vidwan Kalyadi Jayarama Acharya on Monday, at Car Street in a devotees protest meeting, in his keynote address.
The town observed a compelling “Bundh”, in view of Dalit interference in pure Hindu school ancient ritual sentiments annually practised at Kukke Sri Naga Subrahmanya temple premises. Reversed Acharya blamed Dalits for unnecessarily pocking their noses in the age-old setiments of Hindu ritual that did not harm anyone, least o all Dalits who do not subscribe to this non-violent practice, he retorted in answer to Dalit complaints made in Mangalore to the CPC and DC against Kukke, on the same day.
Several local leaders including the forest dwelling Malekudiyas and GP members, were present at the retaliatory protest meeting conducted and called by temple authorities, peopled by god-believers.
Malekudiya leader Nagesh was garlanded and honoured on the occasion for going to jail.
N.S. Rajesh welcomed the devout gathering. Harish Injadi proposed a vote of thanks. Satish Kujugode compered the agenda.
A procession of local students and citizens was taken out from Kashi Katte to Ratha Beedi (Car Street), before the rally started.
A call given to protect local holiness, by observing a protest closure of markets was fuly responded by merchants, leaving only medical shops, hospitals, and temple shops open for devotees.
Schools remained closed in support of local ancient religious practices to be followed. Udupi Paryaya Math had a ‘Made Snana’ ritual watched by Sirur Swamiji.