Something that’s sacred to some should not be made fun of

We Saiva Hindus learnt with gratitude from The Sunday Times of January 28, that the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya Chief Prelate Ven. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thera is campaigning against the abuse of religious symbols although as he says “he had not got any response from other religious leaders”.

What he says is certainly true of the lay Saiva Hindu leaders (especially organizations supposed to watch the interests of Saiva Hinduism) who turn a blind eye to the brazen ridicule of our religion in public.

For example a Sinhala play running to full houses portrays a policeman clowning his way through life. His hallmark is the triple holy ash on his forehead, the holiest symbol of Saiva Hindusim.

Ash Wednesday of the Catholics has come and gone; scores of Buddhists are seen in Hindu temples as well as at Bagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Mandir applying holy ash on their forehead.

How come Saiva Hinduism is picked out for public entertainment?

By C.Vanniasinkam, Colombo 8.