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
