Over 300 perform 'made snana'

Over 300 devotees performed made snana at the Kukke Subrahmanya temple here on Tuesday despite protests surrounding the controversial ritual.

Over three days, blaring drums and loud chants of prayers will usher in throngs of devotees into the temple courtyard, where they will roll over plantain leaves containing food partaken by ‘upper caste’ persons. The vestiges of the meal will then be washed off at the Kumaradhara nearby to complete the “vow”.

The controversies and court cases did not stop the devotees, who had travelled from various parts of the State. Their “vow” to ensure the “deity’s graces” in solving their problems was overseen by a posse of policemen who blanketed the temple.

Having been advised by the priest to perform the ritual to remove the naga dosha (curse of the snake god) on him, C.B. Ravi, a farmer from Maddur in Mandya district, arrived on Tuesday for the second year. “I visited various temples to change my fortunes, but it didn’t help. After performing the ritual, I feel it has some effect,” he said.

Similarly, Chandrappa (67) from Ramanagaram and his grandchildren Ganesh (13) and Chaitanya (3.5) performed the ritual for the first time to “cure their skin allergy”. Though the three struggled to roll through the courtyard, Ganesh was seen carrying a soiled plantain leaf on his head, which he believed would “increase the blessings”.

Numerous children took part in the ritual, including several students of a nearby residential school and a five-year-old girl who rushed out in tears midway.

For many, the ritual was an essential part of their belief. Nisha, a hypnotherapist from Bengaluru, claimed that 11 years of performing the ritual had “solved” her financial and personal problems, while Shivaprakash Kadapala from Sullia said this was the 22nd year he was performing.

“No one is forcing anyone to roll over the leftovers. It is the devotee’s desire, and I find peace of mind in it,” he said when asked about the controversies surrounding the ritual.