Criticism over plan to hold symbolic Ashwamedha Yaga
Shreyas
Samartha Ramashrama Seva Trust is organising it at a cost of around Rs. 8 cr.
A section of progressive thinkers, writers and artists have criticised plans to organise a symbolic Ashwamedha Yaga near Doddapura on Hassan-Arsikere Road in Hassan taluk.
The Samartha Ramashrama Seva Trust, which came into existence recently, is organising the event at a cost of nearly Rs. 8 crore.
The preparations for the event are in full swing at ‘Saketapura'.
Large crowds expected
The yaga, which is scheduled to be held between February 29 and March 7, is expected to attract lakhs of people, including politicians.
About 1,500 priests are expected to take part in religious programmes every day during the event, which would be held under the guidance of Rama Avadhoota. Avadhoota, a native of Belur taluk, set up the trust with the help of` a few followers.
Sridhar of the trust claimed that the event was being organised for the welfare of mankind.
The proposed event has invited the wrath of many progressive thinkers and writers. Well-known artist and progressive thinker K.T. Shivaprasad criticised it strongly. “It is nothing but a waste of money.” Writer and advocate Ja. Ho. Narayanaswamy said that India's growth had been obstructed by rigid minds that conducted yagas.
“India is the country that showed what spirituality is to the world. The essence of spirituality is that whatever is godly is within everybody. It is sad that vested interests are fooling the public in the name of such yagas and yagnas,” he said.
Environmentalist and social activist H.P. Mohan alleged that political parties were behind organising the mega event. “Otherwise, such an event could not have been organised. It is well known that such yagas will not do anything good for mankind. Then where is the need to spend so much money,” he asked.
He pointed out that the State Government had recently cancelled Hoysalotsava celebrations citing drought in the district. “It is strange that when farmers are suffering, we are witnessing an event to be held at a cost of crores of rupees,” he said.
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The event is being organised for the welfare of mankind: trust
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It is nothing but a waste of money, says
K.T. Shivaprasad
VKG
Hnbhat B.R.
After all this, I did not have a reason to change my perception that Conduct of Ashwamedha Yaaga is futile and unnecessary, as Smruti Granthas (Sounaka etc.) has explicitly banned this in Kali Yuga.Parayanam is quite sufficient, to achieve what ever meaningful merit, may occur.In the absence of right resources, such events could be the subject of mock, for obvious reasons. We are witnessing it.VKG
Dr. Hari Narayana Bhat B.R. M.A., Ph.D.,
Research Scholar,