Dharmasthala: Speaking on the Sabarimala controversy, Dharmastala Dharmadikari Dr. D Veerendra Heggade has said that the age-old traditions and practices formulated by the forefathers must be preserved.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, October 23, he said that the perspectives of devotion can be practised at one’s home and that it should not be confused with that of the temple sanctity.
Answering the question on women’s entry to the Sabarimala sanctum, Dr. Heggade said that there were restrictions in some of the temples, which upholds the traditions and practices of that religious place.
He also said that some of the local customs and traditions govern the sanctity of the sanctum.
Dr. Heggade also said that the Dharmasthala Kshetra was governed by Agama Shastra which is also said to be followed in Kerala. On the entry of women, he said that there is a 48-day-vratha (fasting ritual), to be practiced, in order to bring transformation in oneself.
Elaborating on the practice at Sabarimala, he said that restricting women is to help the men visiting the sanctum practise self-control and that there were no intentions to deny the equality.
Dr. Heggade also added by saying that the verdict of letting women enter the temple might also be misused by some in an attempt to uphold equality.
