Age-old traditions must be kept alive, opines Dr. Heggade on Sabarimala row

Belthangady: Following a recent Supreme court verdict allowing entry to women of all ages at the Sabarimala shrine, the temple dedicated to Lord Ayappa witnessed high drama for six days when it was opened for monthly prayers from October 17 to 22.

While a section of the society hailed the verdict as a ‘progressive one’ that upheld the right to equality of women, others have termed it ‘unfortunate’.

Meanwhile, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. D Veerendra Heggade opined that the traditions followed by our elders have a certain background and it would be best for all to practise the same.

“The question is not about what would happen if women enter Sabarimala temple, it is about keeping age-old traditions alive,” said Dr. Heggade while speaking to media persons at Sri Kshetra.

He even pointed out several devotees visiting the shrine nowadays are doing so only after performing four-day, two-day rituals as opposed to the 48-day ritual traditionally followed. “This is a sad thing. It would be better if devotees, who practise self-restraint and self-control visit Sabarimala after performing the 48-day ritual,” he said.