Sri Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Math on Monday gave a suggestion to solve the “made snana” controversy without the Government having to bring in a piece of legislation.
“Made snana” is a ritual followed in the famous Kukke Subramanya Temple wherein the tribal people roll over plantain leaves on which Brahmins have eaten. With progressive thinkers opposing it, there was a widespread demand for a ban on the inhuman practice, by law if required.
The swamiji, who held a two-hour meeting with people of Subramanya, Malekudiya tribal families, and governing council of the temple, gave two options: people could roll on plantain leaves on which the prasada (eatables offered to god and considered holy) of the presiding deity of the temple was placed or roll on eatables left over by cows.“Most of those present have agreed to it,” the swamiji told The Hindu . He said that the Malekudiya tribal people were particularly not willing to accept the change. He said some participants observed that the ending of “made snana” would mean “their end”. When he told them that they need not harbour such fears, a participant quoted a “jyotish” (fortuneteller) who had maintained that they would end the practice at their peril. “I have assured them that I will bring a fortuneteller and clarify their doubts.”He said he believed the path to finding a solution to the vexed issue had become smoother after Monday’s meeting. He hoped that the temple authorities would communicate what has transpired at the meeting to the Government. He too would communicate this to the Government if someone asked him. He said the Government need not bring in a legislation against “made snana”. He said that the former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had urged him to find a solution to the issue.
