HUBLI: The practice of dipping children in boiling water and oil to cure them of diseases is on the rise in North Karnataka.
After children were dipped in boiling water in Bijapur recently, another similar incident has been reported from Hubli.
The incident happened during the Ayyappa Swami Mahapooja and it was organised by the Ayyappa Swami temple, Shabrinagar. More than 100 children were dipped in boiling oil last week. Those who had children after a long time and children with deformities visited the temple.
The main priest of Ayyappa Swami temple, with the help of devotees, began the task of dipping children in hot oil.
Children below the age of three years were partially dipped. Surprisingly, there were no complaints of any burns by the children even after 3-4 days.
Talking to Express, V S V Prasad, devotee of Lord Ayyappa, said that this practice has been in vogue for years. “We have been doing this to test our devotion and how strong our devotion is,” he said.
“We dip children in boiling oil as part of yenne seva (oil service) as part of Maha pooja of Ayyappa Swami.
We do not force parents to do this,” he added.
Dr Rajan Deshpande, noted child specialist, said that if children are dipped in boiling water or oil, they are bound to suffer burns. "It is blind belief among some parents. If there are no burns, it is not scientifically acceptable. Parents should not fall prey to such practice," he said.
When contacted Malati Pol, Deputy Director, Women and Child Development, opposed this practice terming it as superstitious. She promised to create awareness among the people about such evil practices and take action against those who encourage them.