MANDYA/MANGALURU: In a fresh controversy, The state Dharmik Parishat has approached the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to change the name the ‘Deevatige Salam Arati’ or ‘Salaam Mangalarati’ at Hindu temples, as ‘Namaskara Puja’ or ‘Deevatige Arathi’ or ‘Sandhya Aarathi’. The decision taken unanimously at the Parishat meeting.
As per custom, the special puja was started during Tipu Sultan’s reign. The ‘Salaam Mangalarati’ is performed every evening between 6.45 pm and 7.30 pm commemorating the visit of Tipu Sultan to that temple, and a puja is performed even to this day, especially in Mookambika temples in Karnataka. It is also practised in Kukke Subrahmanya, Kollur and Mahalingeshwar temples.
Naveen, a member of the Dharmik Parishat, said, “It is the desire of crores of Hindus to change the name of the ritual. The Salaam Arathi commemorates Tipu Sultan’s reign. Many people were killed, harassed and tortured, both mentally and physically during his rule. He killed Iyengars on the occasion of Bali Padyami and offered Deevatige puje at Melukote Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple to mark his win. He did not help any parts of Mysuru, though he was king. He divided Hindu society and assassinated crores of Hindus”.
He claimed, “Tipu did nothing good for Hindu society. Sanathana Dharma and Dharmik Parishat condemn the puja, which is performed in the name Tipu. The word ‘salaam’ is not derived from Sanathana Dharma, it indicates Islam religion. We have raised questions about conducting puja at Hindu temples in the name of a Muslim ruler. Hindu society people should be alert. We are not condemning Indian Muslims. The issue was discussed at the Dharmik Parishat along with scholars and experts. After we conveyed our decision, Mandya Deputy Commissioner Ashwath sent a letter to the government suggesting an alternative word for Deevatige Salaam Aarathi. The Dharmik Parishat has suggested renaming it as Deevatige Aarathi or Sandhya Aarathi.
Minister for Muzarai, Haj and Wakf, Shashikal Jolle, said, “I have received a request letter from the Dharmik Parishat requesting the renaming of the Deevatige Salaam Aarathi. The puja is being performed from many years, and there will be no changes in the puja. We have to discuss it with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai before taking a decision. We will seek the opinion of historians too”.
She further said, “Another request has come to us regarding changing the Muzrai department as Hindu Religious Endowment Department. But it is not possible to change it within a short period. I am gathering information and possibilities regarding this. If the name Deevatige Salaam Aarathi came by practice (mouth to mouth), it should verified again. If the situation demands that the name should be changed, we will definitely do it”.
Reacting to allegations of vote bank politics by the BJP, Minister Shashikala Jolle said, “It is wrong perception that BJP highlights such issues whenever an election is near. I will bring it to the notice of Chief minister and I will discuss with him. We will take next move as per his direction”, she added.
According to Kashekodi Suryanarayana Bhat, another member of the Dharmik Parishat, “The puja was forcibly started by Tipu Sultan to commemorate his rule. At that time, the ruler used to get prasadam from the temples. Henceforth, the Deevatige puja should be changed to Deevatige Namaskara, Sandhya Namaskara or Deepa Namaskara”.
Neither the word ‘Salaam’ nor the word ‘Muzrai’ is ours and the Parishat has sought renaming of the Muzrai department as Dharmadhaya Datthi or as Endowment Department, he added.