Courts Intervention in Religious Decisions Not Acceptable – Pejawar Swamiji
Pics By Ankith Shetty
Udupi: “The courts should not decide on religious decisions which should be taken by the saints and devotees”, said Sri Vishvesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.
He was speaking after participating in the special ‘Maha Sahasrarchane Puja’ organised by the Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam Udupi district on November 1 at the MGM Grounds. The Supreme Court’s verdict allowing the entry for women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple was disappointed to every Hindus of the country.
“Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala is the most popular pilgrimage center, which is known for rituals and traditions followed in a strict manner to safeguard the sanctity of the deity and Temple premises. Usually, Vratham has to be observed for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. But after the Supreme Court’s verdict on Shri Kshetra Sabarimala has created a controversy.”
“The intervention of the judiciary or governments in religious matters is not correct. It is possible that any religious center can be the place of peace only when saints and devotees make the decisions. The Kerala government should hear the grievances of Ayyppa Bhaktas. The Kerala state government should file a review petition in relation to the Supreme Court verdict and avoid implementing the judgment,” he said.
Sri Ramachandra Swamiji of Uttarakashi Kapilashrama speaking on the occasion said, “Why are only Hindus targeted in this country? All point fingers only at Hindus in this country”, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government in the state was misusing the issue to target and arrest Hindu devotees. The Pinarayi’s government in Kerala has misused the Sabarimala issue. They have used it to arrest the Sabarimala Devotees. He warned the Kerala government and chief minister not to oppress the devotees in the name of implementing the Supreme Court judgment,”.
Sasikumar Varma, president of the Pandalam Palace Coordination Committee and member of the family, his wife Meera Varma, Film Actor Shivaram, leaders Ravish Tantri, Balakrishna Hegde, Hariyappa Kotian, Suprasad Shetty and others were present.
A mega procession was taken out from Jodukatte to the MGM Grounds prior to holding the Puja.