Sunday, April 23, 2006

Non-Hindus and Temple Entry

Of late, we had this controversy on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Rajapaksha's visit to the Guruvayoor temple. Mrs. Rajapaksha was (supposedly) a Christian before marriage and hence, the authorities discovered (after 20-odd days were past after the visit) that there was a grevious crime that has been committed. They were thinking of having 20 days of Pooja after a shuddhikalasham (or something of that sort) and so on and so forth. I dont know what actually happened after that.

This sort of a thing asks us to rethink. We have been boasting of being very highly developed socially, and also that we are among the most secular states in India.

For instance, some other things that have happened have a connection to this
1-> Yesudas wasnt allowed to enter Guruvayoor temple, and hence had to sing outside
2-> Kalamandalam Hyderali wasnt allowed into many temples, although a few allowed him inside.

I somehow feel that the rule "non-hindus should not enter temples" is extremely communal and barbaric. The common excuse given is that "non-hindus" may not follow the usual practices such as bathe before going to a temple and so on. But well, if that be the reason, why not put such things explicitly; why a communal tinge to in the niyamam. I know people who are "non-hindus" but believe in offering prayers at any place of worship; and interestingly, they frequent temples too although they know that they are committing an offence. Whatever be the reason, denying entry to Yesudas seems like going back a couple of centuries.

2 comments:

murali said...

I think women should also be allowed to enter shabarimala

Anonymous said...

Amiable post and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you as your information.