THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as ‘menstruation’ continues to haunt the collective conscience of the most literate state in the country, Swami Sandeepananda Giri - whose ashram was attacked by unidentified miscreants over his stance on allowing women of all ages access to Sabarimala - spoke to Express in the backdrop of the ‘right wing vigilante’-model attack. Excerpts.
Q: Was your stance on Sabarimala and menstruation, which is still being treated as a religious taboo, the immediate provocation for the attack?
A: My stance on Sabarimala has certainly contributed to the right wing forces unleashing an intolerant attack against me. They are looking for Swamis who sell soaps, maida flour and other household materials or Swamis who give ‘blessings’ on demand to votaries as part of business deals. I can’t be the celibate they are looking for and I’ll continue to speak the truth I know.
Further, my teachings based on the Bhagavad Gita have also provoked the fanatics. But I am helpless over their ignorance. I will continue to propound the Gita messages as far as I can.
Q: The religious taboo associated with menstruation has prevented women from performing tantric rites in Hindu temples in Kerala. What’s your take on the issue?
A: The Brahmacharinis associated with the Mata Amritanandamayi Math have been performing poojas in temples under the Math. There are also temples in north India where women perform tantric rites. It has to be implemented in temples here too. If Acharya Sabhas have to be convened to take a decision on matters like these, it has to be done.
Q: Adult women sopana sangeetham artists too are not allowed to perform inside temples, especially to sing songs to the accompaniment of edakka outside the sanctum sanctorum. Your opinion.
A: In the past, women were not allowed to drive vehicles. Now, they are doing all sorts of work and they have come out of their kitchens.
So, I don’t think there is anything wrong in women performing tantric rites or performing Sopana Sangeetham in temples. But, here, women are not allowed to enter a temple even after a Supreme Court order in favour of them. It has to change.
Q: Will you back down from your campaigns or ideals in the light of the attack?
A: Certainly not. I will not be cowed down by these kinds of attacks. I will continue to do my work without being perturbed by the so-called protests. I will expose the stance of the Sangh Parivar forces on religious issues.