'Made Snana' row takes violent turn

Shivaramu, who had come from Mysore along with a team of activists, was assaulted by a group following a heated exchange. He was injured and hospitalised. Nagesh, leader of the Malekudiya community (which supports the ritual), also sustained injuries and was admitted to Kadaba government hospital. Two separate cases have been registered in this regard.

Monappa Manadu, one of the leaders of the Malekudiya tribal community, said: “Those who could not see the development of the temple and harmony in the region assaulted Nagesh in the name of opposing Made Snana. We condemn it.” “Made snana is a voluntary ritual.
Those who oppose it are trying to bring a bad name to the region. The attack on the Malekudiya community is condemnable. We will stage a protest,” said another Malekudiya leader. More than 2,000 devotees took part in the ‘Made Snana’ on Wednesday.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Superintendent of Police Laburam said: “Shivaramu has filed a case against 25 persons for assaulting him, at the Subramanya police station. After collecting clippings from the electronic media, we will initiate action against the culprits.”

In Udupi

Several devotees took part in ‘Made Snana’ on the occasion of ‘Champa Shashthi’ at the Subramanya temple at Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi on Wednesday.  After the special pooja to Lord Subramanya, meals were served to the devotees at Madhwamantapa. Paryaya Shiroor seer Lakshmivarateertha distributed prasadam to the devotees who rolled on the plantain leaves used by the Brahmins to have meals. About 25 devotees, including two children, participated in the ritual.  The Shiroor seer said: “Made Snana is Maha Snana. Even Vadiraja seer had made reference to the ritual 500 years ago. If one takes part in ‘urulu seve’ in front of the Subramanya temple here on Champa Shashthi, it is equal to taking part in the ‘urulu seve’ at Kukke Subramanya.”

On the controversy, he said: “It is an age-old custom. If we fail to allow it, it will hurt the sentiments of the devotees. Accordingly, we hold it as per the wishes of the devotees.”
“The vow to roll over the plantain leaves are taken to ward off skin-related diseases. Those who cannot go to Kukke Subramanya, come here to perform the ritual,” said Mutt Diwan Lathavya Acharya. Pernankila Gururaj Bhat, a devotee, said: “I have been taking part in Made Snana for the last eight years. This is one of the favourite offerings to God. Whatever may be the controversy, the ritual should continue. I will take part as long as I can.”

CM to take ‘step’

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said on Wednesday that he would take an appropriate step with regard to the "made snana" ritual at Kukke Subramanya temple, after obtaining all information.

Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, he said that he was aware of the ritual and that he had directed the officials to furnish all information. The ritual has drawn criticism from all quarters. There is a growing demand that the Government should ban it.