Under pressure from right-wing groups, the Karnataka government has decided to rename some of the names of rituals conducted at several temples across the state.

Acting on the recommendations of the Karnataka Dharmika Parishad, the state government has decided to rename rituals which were opposed by pro-Hindu groups.

A meeting held by Karnataka Dharmika Parishad on November 2, recommended the government to rename rituals like 'Devatagai Salaam', 'Salaam Aarti and Salaam Mangalarati.' Instead, the Parishad had asked the government to rename these with 'Devatagai Namasakara,' 'Aarti Namaskara, Mangalarati Namaskara,' respectively.

The members of the Parishad were of the opinion that 'Salaam' is not a Sanskrit word and hence it was necessary to change it with a Sanskrit word of similar meaning.

Muzrai Minister Shashikala Jolle in a statement said that only names would be renamed and rituals will not be changed. "After elaborate discussion at the Dharmika Parishad, it has been decided to rename some of the rituals.

Only the names are being changed and there will be no change in the rituals. Devatagi Salaam will be renamed as Devatagi Namaskara, Salaam Aarti will be renamed as Aarati Namaskara and Salaam Mangalarathi as Managalarathi Namaskara," the letter read.

'Salaam Aarti' was a ritual started during the time of Tipu Sultan in Mysuru. It is a ritual practised in various Hindu temples across the state.The government is likely to issue an official order in this regard soon. This order will be applicable to all the temples coming under the Muzrai Department. These rituals are conducted at several famous temples including, Kolllur Mookambike temple, Shri Mahalingeshwara temple in Puttur, and Kukke Subrahmanya temple among others.

In March this year, when the hijab issue was at its peak, several pro-Hindu groups had raised objections to such names and have been demanding to replace them.

References:

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