A religious denomination whether an all expansive, evolving and inclusive like Hinduism or the ones that adhere to a single written book, is characterized by it’s practices and beliefs which are unique to them and are often considered odd and eccentric. We have all seen how the liberal mafia has zestfully used the Sabarimala verdict to denigrate Hinduism and paint it as extremely regressive, patriarchal and dismissive of women in general.
An exaggerated idea of sexism and patriarchy among Hindus is perpetuated by negative stereotypes by media (nationally and internationally) while they conveniently ignore the matriarchal society that already exists in Kerala. The “perniciously” efficient system of Government with the Judiciary and media creates the idea that Hindus are inherently patriarchal when it is obviously not, especially if one would count the number of Goddesses in our country, each with it’s own form, temples and practices including some where men are not allowed !
So why would one want to take away the rights of a Ayyappa a male god and his naishtika brahmacharya? This is misandry!
While the issue is being made that of exclusion of entry of women of a certain age group, the real issue is that of discrimination against Ayyappa devotees who are now not able to hold their beliefs sacred. It is the existence of nuances and subtleties that make Hinduism unique and a brazen attempt to steamroll it using a uniform tool of a book would amount to killing the spirit of the devotees and is also against the very idea of the ever inclusive Hinduism. Hindus do not profess allegiance to any one book, scripture or doctrine, for instance Charvakas and Samkhayas did not even accept the authority of the Vedas. There are no pre-determined religious practices. You may worship once or twice daily, weekly, monthly, annually or never! You may be straight or a homosexual, vegetarian, non-vegetarian or even an Aghori and still continue to be a Hindu. The media must treat Hindus fairly and abstain from stereotyping a religion, something that they accuse everyone else of doing ad nauseam.
A very public debate on the banning the sacred beliefs of Ayyappa devotees has created a feeling of discrimination and mistrust against both the state, centre. The sheer judicial activism by the honorable court somehow didn’t outrage the so called liberals of our country for obvious reasons of course.
The issue of conceptualizing one size fits all is solely a process of religious discrimination against the basic idea of freedom. Such judgements make it hard for Hindu minority groups to find a peaceful undisturbed existence. Also, this creates an atmosphere of fear and lack of faith in the system. This unfortunate judgement has lead to psychological trauma to the devotees by the judicial system which appears to be motivated extra judicially by people with neither say nor belief in Bhagwan Ayyappa.
The unfortunate aim of the liberal cabal is to present left-led coalition as progressive while deliberately turning a blind eye to the obvious lack of empathy of Kerala Government to its own people. The only thing that the verdict unwittingly achieves is disintegrating an integrated society, to add, it will also create a rift in the society by giving way to a feeling of lack of respect from the followers of other religions as they distance themselves from understanding the local traditions. The verdict is basically enforcing an arbitrary equality and a forced uniformity. Such rules when enforced are detrimental to the overall well-being of the hoi polloi, which happens to be a core responsibility of the state Government.