SIVAGIRI: Swami Satchidananda, president of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, called for an end to the popular custom of removing shirts while entering temple shrines in Kerala. In his presiding address at the Pilgrimage Conference, Swami Satchidananda brought this opinion which he said was endorsed by Sivagiri Mutt.

Swami Satchidananda:

“Gurudeva reformed the temple culture in the state. But sadly, some Sree Narayana temples compel male devotees to take off their shirts before entering the shrine. This practice should end. In the past, only upper caste members were allowed entry into temples. The practice of taking off shirts was introduced to identify upper-class men (who always had Poonool, the sacred thread diagonal over their chest).

Great poet Kumaranashan wrote that ‘the foolish actions of yesterday can become today's practice and tomorrow's science’. Like the verse, this superstition is also held by the Sree Narayana community. Among them are some priests who follow the Sree Narayana tradition.

The general secretary of the SNDP meeting has also made an open announcement in this regard. The Sree Narayana community should wake up and act as a reformed society. The customs and superstitions that Gurudeva took away are slowly making their way back. It is a sad reality that many Sree Narayana believers are part of it while some others nonchalantly watch the practice unfold with their hands tied.

In India, horrific practices of human sacrifice, and rituals with human flesh are getting rampant in 2024. Kerala is also stepping down to the dark worlds of superstitions and astrology. The Sree Narayana community is also getting part of many such inane rituals. When requested to do the pratishta at an auspicious time, Guru made a repartee asking to do the pratishta(consecration) first and then go looking for the auspicious time.

The followers of that great Guru should not fall for astrologers and troublemakers. All castes and religions had access to the temples consecrated by Gurudeva. Even in 2024, some religious places are banning people from other religions and castes. It is disappointing.”