Removing shirts to enter temples: Government should take decisions without giving in to Tantris: Swami Sachidananda

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government should take a bold decision about devotees wearing shirts in temples without seeking the opinion and permission of the thantris, said Swami Sachidananda, president of the Sivagiri Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust. He was inaugurating the anniversary of consecration at the Aruvippuram temple and Mahashivratri celebrations.

"Sree Narayana Gurudeva did not perform the Shiva pratishtha at Aruvippuram, asking for permission from any Tantris. The temple entry proclamation was not made on the advice of Tantris. Governments can make timely changes. The Pinarayi government's decision to have members of backward communities as priests in the temple was not on the advice of Tantris. The Sree Narayana community should be able to move forward by following the brave path of Guru and overcoming uncivilized thoughts as civilized people living in the scientific age. A hundred years ago, Gurudeva said that elephants and fireworks should not be allowed in temples. All the courts are repeating that elephants should not be allowed. Now, even though the Brahmins have said no, the society does not accept it. Some tradition lovers are trying to continue elephant processions and fireworks in temples by approaching the courts," added Swami Sachidananda.

Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust General Secretary Swami Shubhangananda said that we still have a long way to go to reach the world that Guru dreamed of. He also said that Sivagiri Mutt is moving forward as a corrective force by recognizing the distortions of faith and customs. Aruvippuram Mutt Secretary Swami Sandrananda, who gave the welcome speech at the function, asked why we should go to temples that insist on wearing shirts to enter. CK Hareendran MLA presided over the function. CPM District Secretary V Joy MLA was the chief guest. Kerala Kaumudi Associate Editor VS Rajesh, Railway Passengers Amenities Committee Chairman PK Krishnadas, District Panchayat Member VS Binu, Swami Sivanarayana Theertha and others spoke.