Context
Tamil Nadu: With Ban On Pattina Pravesam Revoked, Here Is A Short Summary Of The Entire Controversy
K Annamalai and the 26th Gurumaha Sannidhanam of Dharmapuram Adheenam
The DMK government revoked its ban on the 500-year-old practice, ‘Pattina Pravesam’ of the Dharmapuram Adheenam, in Tamil Nadu. The government move was vehemently opposed by devotees, Hindu organisations as well as opposition parties.
The Pattina Pravesam is a customary practice involving the head of the historic Dharmapuram Adheenam being carried in a palanquin.
Political Reasons Behind the Ban: As explained in the earlier articles of Swarajya, there could be several political reasons behind the move to interfere in the affairs of Dharmapuram Adheenam.
The timing of the ban made the ban highly suspect. A few weeks back Tamil Nadu Governor had visited the Dharmapuram mutt, which would have irked the CM who sees the Governor as a roadblock in the passing of the draft bills on NEET.
The mutt is known to be a strong opponent of conversion activities as well as linguistic chauvinism propounded by the Dravidianist parties.
Meeting of Pontiffs with the CM: A delegation of pontiffs from different Adheenams and mutts had met CM Stalin and urged him to revoke the decision to ban the practice.
In its presentation, as reported, the pontiffs explained that the practice should not be construed as “men carrying men”.
It is a practice, wherein devotees (regarded as ‘Sripatham Thangigal’ coming down generations) bear the palanquin around ‘veedigal’ (streets) belonging to the mutt.
Opposition Reactions: BJP Tamil Nadu President, K.Annamalai tweeted that both people of Tamil Nadu and state unit of the BJP ‘clean bowled’ DMK government’s stand.
BJP Tamil Nadu Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy said that the DMK government is regularly attacking the Hindu rituals, cultures and
Bottom line: The DMK government revoking the ban on 500-year-old Hindu ritual within days of imposing it, shows the slippery political slope it is on. The episode also displays the need for pro-activeness on the part of opposition parties, devotees, and seers in ensuring that attacks on Hindu customs are reverted in a timely manner.
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