BANGALORE: Heads of various mutts from across the State condemned the practice of Made Snana in unison on Saturday at a conference organised by Nidumamidi Mahasamsthana Mutt and Manava Dharma Peetha in the city to urge the State government to ban the‘inhuman practice’.
Most speakers criticised Pontiff of Pejawar Mutt Vishvesha Tirtha, Higher Education Minister V S Acharya and Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade for their ‘dual stand’ on this controversial issue.
“The word ‘snana’ (Bath) should represent purification. What this snana conveys is the degradation of human dignity. If Made Snana cures skin problems, why do we need medical colleges or doctors? Made Snana has to be banned just like the other practices that were banned,” said Panditaradhya Shivacharya Mahaswamy of Sanehalli Mutt.
Dr Tontada Siddalinga Mahaswamy of Dambala Mutt, Gadag, criticised the practice calling upon the government to impose severe legal punishment.
“Dakshina Kannada district, where Made Snana exists, has a literacy rate of 80 per cent. Superstition is so powerful that people have been blindfolded. The Pejawar seer is known for his wisdom, but unfortunately it does not show in his comments on this practice,” he lamented.
He also expressed dissent over Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya’s remarks on the practice.
“The minister stated that time would take its course on the issue. It seems to be a ploy to keep the practice alive,” said Tontada Siddalinga Mahaswamy.
Veerabhadra Chanamalla Swamiji of Nidumamidi Mutt sought to clarify the stand of the heads of various mutts in his address. “The middle class now thinks that the heads of mutts are for status quo, anti-progress and backward. I beg to differ. While there are some heads who are party to such uncivilised practices, those present in this forum want them to be abolished from the society,” he said.
He added that time had come for all heads of mutts to come together to promote humanity.
“We must understand that the class system is the mother of Made Snana. The notion that Brahmins are superior over others has resulted in such practices. Let the government form a committee represented by all sections of society to make a report on all such practices. The report has to be implemented. Heads of mutts are together in this front,” he said. A number of seers from various mutts across the State participated in this one-day conference.