The Hindu : Front Page : Adhere to custom, tantris tell Government

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 21, 2006

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Front Page

Adhere to custom, tantris tell Government

Staff Reporter

`Ban on entry of women into Sabarimala is part of tradition'

PATHANAMTHITTA: Religious and spiritual leaders have called upon the Government to protect the age-old ritualistic tradition, customs and practices at Sabarimala.

Talking to The Hindu , the senior tantri Kandararu Maheswararu and tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru said, "Modern thinking in this scientific age should not be permitted to encroach upon the age-old custom and tradition at Sabarimala."

Any relaxation of the tradition and customs practised in the temple would be detrimental to protecting the sanctity of the sacred grove. Both the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Government were bound to ensure strict adherence to the customs and practices in the temple.

The tantris said the entry of women in the age group 10-50 into the temple was prohibited as part of tradition. The installation of the presiding deity was done with the sublime concept that the lord is in the posture of a yogi in total bliss.

Pandalam Palace

The Pandalam Palace, hereditary custodian of the temple, also took exception to the demand from certain quarters for permitting entry of women of all age groups.

Its managing committee president P.R.V.Raja said any such move would amount to a gross violation of the age-old customs and practices.

`Preserve sanctity'

Our Kochi Staff Reporter writes:

The All-India Brahmin Federation (AIBF) has said the ban on the entry of women aged between 10 and 50, in keeping with the tradition, should continue.

The AIFB South Zone council said the sanctity of Sabarimala temple should be preserved and any move to malign the place of worship thwarted.

The resolutions were adopted at a meeting of the council on Sunday.

The meeting was a precursor to the Brahmaanda Garjana Rally to be held in November in New Delhi.

`Repeal quota on Board'

The council said it would press the authorities concerned to rename the Cochin International Airport Adi Sankaracharya International airport and repeal quota on the Travancore Devaswom Board.

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