Press Statement

Thrissur, April 22, 2004

 

District Collector Gyanesh Kumar, RDO Sashikumar, Chief Secretary N. Chandrasekharan Nair, Chief Minister AK Antony, and all others concerned, deserve hearty compliments for banning Elavoor Thookkam, though at this late hour.

On this auspicious occasion we urge the Prime Minister, the Chief Ministers of different states, all the Administrators as well as the people to shed their apathy and strive confidently without fear to eradicate all wrong and superstitious practices in vogue – not only in Kerala but in the whole of Bharat. By this alone will our country become strong.

Contrary to the common belief, these mal-practices have no scriptural sanction. All these sprout from lack of viveka (discrimination) and proper allegiance to Scriptures, which are the backbone of our eternal culture. Devotional practices should fundamentally be non-violent and conducive to spiritual purity and refinement.  Devotees and devotional thinkers must follow the path of viveka. Only then the virtuous objectives will be properly fulfilled.

In Elavoor, the Poomootal (abhisheka with flowers) in vogue for the past 16 years should be performed on 23rd as scheduled.

Knowingly  or unknowingly whatever omissions or commissions have been committed, Putthankavu Goddess will  forgive all concerned in this auspicious hour.  

In order to generate peaceful atmosphere, all, including the Temple Advisory Committee must cooperate, so that the unity and cohesion of Hindu society will be strengthened.

Elavoor Puttenkavu Temple is under siege by Thookkam proponents. The move to erect human walls of men, women and children after having laid siege to the Temple is a situation that reminds one of the hold of Bhindranwallas.  All devotees and authorities should understand the  dangerous implications of such a grave plight.

Sreemad Bhaagavatam, the most pronounced Devotional Scripture, pinpoints: 

“To see God only in the Idol and not in the devotees and others around,  thereby to indulge in indiscrete and violent  acts makes the devotees uncultured (praakrita).”

In the name of Devi worship, to pierce the back of a person with sharp metal hooks and hoist him in a scaffold 32 ft high and whirl around is no doubt uncultured, barbaric and primitive. No Scripture sanctions or supports such gruesome practices.

In Temple rituals, the advice of Tantris is no doubt decisive.  But that such advice cannot be contrary to the civil and criminal laws of the country, is also clearly laid down in Devasvam Acts.  This should be borne in mind by Tantris and all others concerned.

 

 

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
All-India President – Hind Navotthana Pratishthan