Controversial "Made snana" begins amid protests

Amid protest from various groups, the controversial ritual "Made snana" where some devotees of all communities roll over the food remains on plantain leaves left behind by Brahmins, began at Kukke Sri Subrahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada district today.

"The ritual will be held from today till December 8, where a large number of devotees are likely to take part in the ritual. Devotees from all communities, including Brahmins, roll over the food remains on plantain leaves, left behind by Brahmins," sources at the temple said.

Various organisations, including Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum and pontiffs from several mutts have protested against the ritual, calling for a permanent ban.

Nidumamidi Mutt pontiff Veerabhadra Channamalla Swamiji had observed a fast along with some other seers here yesterday, terming the ritual as "inhuman".Some organisations, including Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagrutha Vedike, a Backward Classes body, have demanded ban on 'made snana'.

Devotees perform "Made Snana" in their belief that doing so would cure them of various ailments, especially those related to skin and help overcome miseries.

The Supreme Court in December 2012 had stayed the November 2012 order of Karnataka High Court permitting a modified version of the ritual where devotees would be allowed to roll over food offered to the deity.