Hindu outfits on war path in Kerala

Disillusioned by the move to introduce fee for Darshan at Sabarimala temple and irked by V. S Achuthanandan's comments on the astrological predictions on Sree Padmanabha temple, the Hindu organisations are planning to launch a state wide protest in Kerala.

The Travancore Devaswam Board under the control of state government, which is the governing authority of Sabarimala temple, announced a special fee system for VIP darsan and poojas at Sabarimala. The latest announcement is that the devotee must pay Rupees 2500 each for Nirmalya Darsan (the first ritual of the day at temple), Athazha Pooja (the last pooja before closing the temple) etc.

The Hindu Aikya Vedi, an organisation of 32 Hindu organisation is already up in arm against the board's announcement. R. V. Babu, state General Secretary of Aikya Vedi told TSI, “this is an insult to Ayyappa devotees and will not allow this type of loot at Sabarimala. This is only a money making tactics of the board and we demand more facilities at Sabarimala for darsan.” He said Aikya Vedi will conduct agitations against board's decision.

At the same time the statement of opposition leader, V. S. Achuthanandan, against the Deva Prasnam (an astrological ritual to know the God’s wish) held at Sree Padmanabha Temple has drawn strong protest from various Hindu organisations. He had criticised the ritual and commented that it spreads superstition among people.

The Viswa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Aikya Vedi and other orgainsations have come out with open criticism against V.S. “Political opportunists must restrain from such comments on temple rituals,” said Kummanam Rajasekharan, leader of Hindu Aikya Vedi. The organisations are planning to start mass agitation programmes in the name of hurting of Hindu feelings.