Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Shameful incident

The unfortunate incident in the Jagannath temple, Puri, where food worth lakhs was destroyed and the premises were cleaned because an American, Paul Roediger, entered it has defaced the Jagannath culture of tolerance and universalism. The dumping of the prasad meant for devotees and the purification rituals reflect the narrow outlook of the priests. It is unfortunate that humanity should have been disrespected thus in the name of religion in a country known for tolerance and secularism.

Akasmika Rath,
Bhubaneswar

* * *

Orissa is a poor State with a rich culture. But the incident that occurred in the Jagannath temple shows the level of awareness among the people. If such superstitions are followed in a city, one can imagine the situation prevailing in the rural areas. Initiatives should be taken to educate people on the ills of superstition. If we can accept funds from foreign countries during disasters, why can we not allow foreigners to visit our temples?

V. Shivaji Kumar,
Paralakhemundi, Orissa

* * *

It is not possible for the temple authorities to satisfy the material needs of the poor. They could have at least satisfied their hunger instead of depriving them of food and making them starve.

G. Mrinalini,
Chennai

* * *

The arrogant act of burying the prasad in a pit is unpardonable and reflects the priests' ignorance of the tenets of Hinduism. The incident is a great affront to the foreigners who throng India in large numbers, attracted by our culture, philosophy, and religion, and become true votaries of several movements and missions.

K. Venkatachari,
Coimbatore

* * *

It was disturbing to see what happened in the Jagannath temple. Several other temples of fame are also off-limits to non-Hindus. There are Islamic sites too that are barred to non-Muslims. But Hinduism has no such restrictions. It has place for everyone including atheists and non-Hindus. The government should pass a law abolishing restrictions on temple entry.

Koti Sreekrishna,
Mason, Ohio

* * *

Hindus consider food Annalaksmi. Hence those who dumped food worth lakhs do not deserve to be treated as Hindus. It is they who should be banned entry into the temple.

I remember reading that the great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar used to hold a needle in his hand when his wife served him food. Asked why, he said it was meant to pick up the grains spilt while serving or eating. Such is the importance accorded to food in our country.

T.V. Shankar Narayanan,
Hosur

* * *

There is no discrimination in the Jagannath culture on the basis of caste or religion. Muslim poet Salabeg and Dalit Dasia Bauri were among his prominent devotees. The imposition of restrictions on entry is done only by some sections that dominate the temple administration. A real Hindu does not endorse such practices.

Biranchi Narayan Acharya,
Cuttack

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Reviewing policy on new airports
A final attack on polio
Pakistan's Middle East initiative
What the news business needs most today
Corrections and Clarifications
Naxal issue
Raves and revellers
Stray dog menace
Shameful incident

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu