My Mood

Viewpoint - Guruvayoor Temple Controversy

Issue

Punyaham (Purification ritual) being conducted in Guruvayoor Temple upon the entry of Ravikrishna, son of Vayalar Ravi & Mercy Ravi.

Viewpoint

I may be percieved to have bias when writing my opinion since I belong to the community of Priests to which the Tantri of the Temple belongs, however I am writing this with complete objectivity and clarity of thoughts which is unbiased.

After following up the story for few days and reading the views of various people involved and the general public I feel there are some crucial points which needs to be debated by the Hindu Community which are.

(i) Administration of Temples?

Temple administration has become so corrupt in recent times that all will agree that there is a need for major revamp of who is responsible for administration of the temples. Unlike the other religions where Governmental control of the religious bodies is minimal all the Hindu Temples are tightly controlled by Government and the politicians. The murky tale of Corrupt Politics is being replicated in the manner of administration of these bodies where money rules above everything else. We badly need to find a solution for managing the Religious bodies by insulating them from the Corrupt Politicians.

(ii) Cast as the basis of Jobs

Castism is the main reason for disunity among the Hindus. In the olden times cast was the deciding factor as to what occupation one would choose. Iam of the opinion that in modern times Caste has lost its relevance. Any person irrespective of his caste/religion can do any job or practice any profession of his choice. Why not then treat our jobs in the temple on par. A Brahmin who is supposed to perform Pooja at the temple has to be learned. I believe that being Brahmin is not about being born as one, rather it is being what a Brahmin is supposed to be. Hence any person who knows Pooja or ritual should be entitled to perform Pooja's at temple.

(iii) Entry of Non-Hindus at Temple

There is only one God, different religions call him by different names. My Muslim/Christian friend is no different from me by any means. We have to promote communal harmony and brotherhood by religion and not try to divide the people. Bible, Quran and Bhagvad Geetha Preach the same message. We all should try to know the other religions. Visiting other religious places and knowing about it will help the manking to unite much better.

Hence its high time we open our temples to everyone as long as the people observe the requirements to be followed inside the temple. God is above all this petty cast and religious issues which mankind has created.

Saji Vasudevan

12th June 2007

सैनिक स्कूल का अध्याय संक्षित रुप में...

में पांचवी क्लास में था। टेलिविज़न पर विजेता फिल्म दिखाया जा रह था। फिल्म भी वो क्या थी कि मेरे तो रोंगटे उठ गये। मन में बस एक ही कवाब था कि फ़ौज में भर्ती हो जावूं। तब पापाके किसी दोस्त ने कहा कि सैनिक स्कूल नामक एक स्कूल हे जिसमे पड़ने से फ़ौज में नौकरी मिलना आसान हैं। और में एंट्रेंस परीक्षा जीतने के बाद चल पड़ा सैनिक स्कूल में पडने। अम्माको बिल्कुल नहीं पसंद था मेरा उस स्कूल में पड़ना लेकिन मुझे और पापा को था पसंद। स्कूल के पहले दिन बोहोत ही मुश्किल थे। अम्मा, पापा और भाई को छोड़ कर अकेले रहेना बोहोत कठिन था। स्कूल में पढ़ाई कम ओर दूसरे चीजों में ज्यादा ध्यान दिया जता था।

दोस्तें के मुकाबले मेरी शारीरिक क्षमता थी कम और इस वजह से मैं हमेशा होता था पीछे। सैनिक स्कूल ने मुझे बोहोत कुछ सिखाया। ढेर सारे दोस्त मिले वहां पर। हार से लड़ना सीखा, अपने पेरों पर खडे होना सीखा और आख़िर में स्कूल ने जीना सिखाया। गणित ने मेरा सात छोड़ दिया ग्यारहवी कक्षा में और मुझे लौटना पड़ा पराजय का भार अपने कंधे पर लेते हुवे इस महान स्कूल से।

Joined Dubai Maritime City

May 2007 - I have joined Dubai Maritime City from 1st of May as Financial Analyst. Feeling very happy that life is getting more organised now.

Rohan is Growing

Its June 2007, Rohan is growing fast. He has started recognising us (his parents). Though he is more fond of his Amma than Achan, this is quite natural considering that all his needs are met by his Amma.

He has started to stand on his feet, gestures by lifting his hand to imply that he wants to be carried around. Greets me at the door at his cheerful best when I return from Office. Basically having a wonderful time with him..