Pics by Daya Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangalore (SHS)
Mangalore, Sep29: Rolling out new history in the sect of Indian Hindu temples, two widowed scheduled caste (SC) women ordained as priests (archak) at century-old, Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara temple on Monday morning, with former union minister Janardhan Poojary initiating his second rationale concept in an aim to send out a strong message of exterminating caste discrimination and uphold constitutional values.
Laxmi (65), and Chandrika (46) widowed women from backward caste entered the sanctorum of the temple formaly offering pooja,while intrigued devotees of the temple experienced the rare event in their eyes. However for Kudroli, this step, which, considered by many as revolutionary is a second happening as the temple already appointed two widowed women to offer rituals like Brahmin male priests during last Dasara.
Laxmi, w/o late Sadashiva, resident of Chilimbi, Urwa and Chandrika, w/o late Krishnappa, from Rani Pura, Ullal were given 15 days of training ahead of duo’s formal appointment to the temple as priests. They would conduct daily rituals at the temple henceforth, a move most people term as social reform.
On Monday morning, women were welcomed by Janardhan Poojary and brought inside the temple accompanying them in a cavalcade. Both washed their feet prior they formally conducted Pooja to many gods installed in the temple.
As a final lap, duo entered the sanctorum of Gokarnanatheshwara (manifestation of lord Shiva) and offered pooja authenticating the appointment.
After appointing women, Poojary addressing the press told, according to Naraya Guru, society should strive to eliminate caste, creed and religion discriminations and today. “We have witnessed Guru's message being realized in Mangalore."
He further said Kudroli temple has a history of implementing true ideas of Guru and it was witnessed last year, with temple appointing two widowed women. “I had earlier washed the feet of a widow teacher in the temple”
He would advise the state government of Karnataka to take a cue from this new appointment to add this in their new venture of appointing women as archaks in the Muzari temples. “We are all children of god any one can go inside the temple to offer pooja”, he reiterated.
He expressed concern that despite enforcement of stringent laws against atrocity on SC/ST and prevent untouchability, ill-practices were still prevailing in the society. When asked whether the move would be viewed as a step to derail Brahmin monopoly existing in Hindu priesthood, he refused to comment saying he just did what he wanted to do.
He urged people to develop humanity and cordon off unacceptable practices hindering the human values. He expressed, though the step was criticized by many it would not affect number of devotees visiting the temple for divine blessings.