‘Travancore temple entry decree enlightened people about untouchability'
Jayendra Saraswati, guru and chief of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, has urged the people to be aware of the oneness of existence, which has neither birth nor death, and avoid divisive thoughts.
He was speaking to a gathering of representatives of several Hindu groups, brought together by the Hindu Aikya Vedi in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Temple Entry Proclamation, here on Saturday.
Eschew discrimination
The pontiff said the erstwhile princely State of Travancore, by throwing open the doors of temples to people of all Hindu castes in 1936, had enlightened the people in all other parts of the Indian subcontinent about the evil called untouchability.
Even Muslims and Christians could now enter some of the major temples in the country if they professed they had faith in Hinduism. He said there should be no discrimination among people.
In this context, he criticised the Communal Violence Bill the Union government was considering to introduce in Parliament, which, he said, would create a “difference” between majority communities and minority communities in the country.
He said it was perhaps opposition within the Congress party itself that was delaying the introduction of the Bill. He visualised a world without conflicts on account of difference in religious faiths and the tendencies for conversion from one religion to the other.
Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, head of the erstwhile ruling family of Travancore who too addressed the meeting, recounted the sense of euphoria on the day of the Temple Entry Proclamation.
Those considered untouchables could from then on walk along the same street taken by the so-called high caste people, he said.
They could go to the same temples. All the gates of the Kowdiar Palace, where the royal family resided, were thrown open that day.
The entire palace ground was filled with people of all castes. There was a feeling of oneness all around, Mr. Varma said.
Working president of the Hindu Aikya Vedi K.N. Raveendranath presided over the function.
The statements from Shankaracharya are very important in the current
religious and political situation in India. I do agree with Hariharan's
comment that any Hindu can become an Acharya. The question is who wants
to take this thankless profession, who is willing to send his
son/daughter to learn the vedas, upanishads which don't bring any
revenue?
The Acharya has emphatically and forcefully putforth the essence of
Hinduism and the Hindu religion.If there was any Sage Advice that was
needed today , the Sankaracharya has given that.The Seer's
visualisation of a society free of religious conflicts is a very noble
thought at this point in time which everyone should work
towards.Ridiculing such statements as mere rhetoric takes us
nowhere.What the Acharya has propounded is to give the basic respect
towards fellow human beings which is dwindling by the day through
various influences such as money , power etc.,.If we take the advice
in its proper perspective , we have everything to gain that will make
our nation ever stronger.Thanks to The Hindu for dutifully publishing
the news item which in itself shows the greatness in its thinking and
its culture of responsible journalism.
The real vedas never preached any discrimination on any grounds. All these vices were introduced as well as propagated in the post-vedic period by some vested interests. Constitution of India itself derives lot many values and fundamental rights from ancient Hindu scriptures.
The Sankaracharya has given some good advice ; but, instead of merely giving advices, he should set an example by recognising the "oneness" of people. The Sankara Mutt for instance, is primarily a Brahmin dominated institution. The Seer, if he wants , can change it and make it a more representative place. Even the food that the Sanakracharya eats, is always prepared by members of the Brahmin commnuity - he can set a good example by appointing someone from another caste as a cook in the Mtt.. Only such bold and far reaching steps will eradicate the cast prejudice ; mere sermons , however well intentioned will not have any major impact on caste based discriminations.
It is reassuring to see the pontiff commit himself to such endeavours. On the other
hand, however, the obvious question that springs to mind is if he has gone far
enough with his message. Would we ever see a day when influential people in our
society take a positive stand on intercaste and interreligious marriages? A wishful
thought this, perhaps.
Please Email the Editor