The ritual of Made Made Snana began at the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple here on Sunday, with more than 350 devotees rolling over left-over food on plantain leaves.
The practice is being observed at the temple as part of the Champa Shasti Utsava. The ritual had been mired in controversy with several sections of society opposing it.
The temple authorities decided to allow the practice in the wake of the Supreme Court staying the modified Yede Snana — rolling on plantain leaves on which food offered to the deity is kept. The state had suggested this modification in the High Court, which had agreed to it. However, the Adivasi Budakattu Hitarakshana Vedike approached the Supreme Court challenging the HC order.
On Sunday, the ritual was held without any untoward incident. Devotees from different communities, including Brahmins, rolled over the food left by Brahmins in the temple. Elaborate security arrangements had been made for the ritual with 300 police constables and 100 home guards being posted there. The Kukke Subrahmanya Temple Management Committee had arranged closed circuit cameras.
Committee chairman Krishnaprasad Madthila said, “It is (held with the) willingness and belief of the devotees.” The ritual is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday as well. (With PTI)