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Karnataka temple's weird ritual draws protests
2010-12-12 13:50:00
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Bangalore, Dec 12 (IANS) A bizarre tradition of people rolling over
plantain leaves with leftovers of meals eaten by Brahmins at a
Karnataka temple to cure themselves of skin ailments is igniting
protests.
Called the 'urulu seve' (roll over ritual), the tradition at the Kukke
Subramanya temple in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada is said
to have been followed for 400 years, according to temple authorities.
The ritual is undertaken in the belief that it will cure people of
skin ailments. It is performed on the annual 'shasthi' - sixth day of
the month - festival.
The three-day festival concluded Saturday and the ritual was performed
Friday by many men and women amid protests by a small group of people.
Now, several organisations in Karnataka have begun a campaign to ban
the practice saying it is inhuman.
Though people from all castes, including Brahmins, perform the ritual,
a majority of them are said to be Dalits and those from backward
classes.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, a Dalit herself, wants it
banned. She issued a statement to this effect in Lucknow Saturday.
Temple authorities say they do not force anyone to perform the ritual.
The protesters were upset that the practice was allowed, though the
temple was under the state government's Muzrai (religious affairs)
department.
Muzrai Minister V.S. Acharya termed the practice 'innocuous'. He said
no one was forced by the temple authorities to perform the ritual. 'It
is a matter of belief,' he said.
The temple, about 300 km from here, is devoted to Subramanya. The idol
of Subramanya is in the shape of a nine-headed serpent. Legend has it
that Subramanya protected serpent god Vasuki who had taken shelter in
a cave at Kukke from Garuda.
A well-known ritual performed at the temple is 'sarpa samskara' to
ward off the effect of 'sarpa dosha' - curse of the serpent god.
Among the celebrities who have prayed at the temple is cricket legend
Sachin Tendulkar.
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