Another Attack On A Saivaite Tradition And Annamalai Comes To The Defence

In a latest, calculated attack on Saivaite traditions, the Mayiladuthurai Collectorate in Tamil Nadu has refused permission to hold ‘Pattina Pravesam’ a traditional practice where devotees carry the Adheena Karthar (roughly the pontiff) of the Dharmapuram Adheenam seated in a palanquin.

Many suspect a sinister, anti-Hindu political motive behind this move. The highly respected Dharmapuram Adheenam has been at the forefront of defending the Vedic Saiva Dharma in Tamil Nadu.

In the 1980s, when an obscene theory of Saivism, derived from Christianity, was floated, Dharmapuram Adheenam took it upon itself to systematically demolish this fake narrative.

With its farsightedness and courage, the Adheenam has constantly stood up to the interference of linguistic chauvinism in the sacred rituals of Saiva temples.

The Adheenam, which is known for its substantial contribution to the revival and renaissance of classic Tamil standing against the crypto-Christian forces in their grand design of appropriation of Saiva Dharma, is a major obstacle for the 'Breaking India' forces.

Two weeks ago, the 27th and the present Guru Maha Sannithanam, Shri Masilamani Desiga Gnanasambandha Swamigal invited the Governor of Tamil Nadu for the inauguration of Swamigal's 10-day 'Gnana Ratha Yatra’ to several pilgrimage sites.

The anti-Hindu forces which included Dravidar Kazhagam, political parties such as VCK and CPI(M), which are part of the ruling alliance, and the Luddite Anti Methane Project Movement brazenly threatened the Adheenam over this move. But the Adheenam unmindful of such rabid voices went ahead and invited the Governor. There were protests when Governor arrived which were narrowly stopped from turning ugly.

Then on 27th, 11 Hindu religious leaders including Dharmapuram Adheenam were invited by the Chief Minister reportedly for consultation.

His Holiness Dharmapuram Adheenam graciously answered in affirmative to a question regarding the statement of a DMK minister that the present rule in Tamil Nadu is a spiritual rule.

At the same time, the Adheenam also stated that the government is functioning as per their policies and the Adheenams are functioning as per theirs, implying that there is no need for confrontation.

It is soon after these series of events that this particular attack occurred. Saivaites throughout the state have been terribly shocked by this ban on the Pattina Pravesam event.

The 293rd Guru Mahasanithanam of Madurai Adheenam Sri La Sri Harihara Sri Jnana Sambanda Desika Paramacharya Swamigal has expressed his extreme pain at the way a tradition has been stopped. He also expressed his doubts if this was a kind of vengeful deed for the Dharmapuram Adheenam inviting the Governor.

In order to rectify this 'foul' deed, he wanted the Chief Minister himself to come and conduct the Pattina Pravesam. In an emotional statement of anguish and pain, the Madurai pontiff further stated that even if he were to get killed for defying the ban, he himself would come and carry the palanquin on his own shoulders.

The young leader of Tamil Nadu BJP, K Annamalai, who is in Sri Lanka came out strongly in support of Dharmapuram Adheenam and attacked the state government for this ban.

In a series of tweets, he stated that he himself would come and carry the palanquin on his own shoulders. Many fence-sitting Saivaites in Tamil Nadu have expressed their gratitude for the principled stand taken by Annamalai.

The Dharmapuram Adheenam, because of his spiritual magnanimity, may adopt a non-confrontational stand as of now; though this attack is not against the individual but against Dharma.

But surely this is going to cost heavily in terms of goodwill and votes for the ruling party. Many political observers also feel that this may also serve as a warning to Hindus all over India as to where the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) stands with respect to Hindu traditions (DMK is a part of the UPA).

In fact, the Congress after Sonia Gandhi took over has shown strong ideological solidarity with the DMK. The state unit chief of Congress had even declared once that they would "destroy Sanatana Dharma".