RSS triggers row by questioning legend behind Onam

September 11, 2016

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 11: As Keralites gear up to celebrate Onam, RSS has triggered a controversy by questioning the legend behind the festival, arguing that it marks the celebration of birth of 'Vamana' (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and not the homecoming of demon king Mahabali.onam-celebrations

An article published in the Onam special edition of RSS mouthpiece 'Kesari' claimed there was no reference in any mythological scriptures which supports the popular and widely circulated legend that Vamana' had sent Mahabali to the netherworld through deceit and the king visits the land annually to meet his subjects.

Countering the argument, senior CPI(M) leader and state Health Minister K K Shylaja said Onam was celebrated by all irrespective of caste, creed and religion and the attempt of the RSS was to bring back the bygone "upper class hegemony".

It was also a part of RSS's agenda to "hijack the festival", the minister alleged. According to the popular belief in the state, Mahabali's homecoming in the Malayalam month of Chingam to see his subjects is celebrated as 'Thiru Onam' annually, which falls on September 14 this year.

However, the article written by K Unnikrishnan Namboothiri in the RSS magazine argued that Onam was originally celebrated as the birthday of Vamana and not a festivity to mark the homecoming of the demon king.

"There is no such reference or explanation anywhere in mythology or epics to support the story that Mahabali was pushed to the netherworld by Vamana and he visits the land every year to meet his subjects. Then, how did such a false story become prevalent in Kerala?" the article stated.

The write-up claimed that Lord Vishnu had actually "blessed" the demon king and not "punished" him by pushing into 'pathala' (netherworld).

"There is no indication in spiritual texts like 'Bhagavatham' or 'Narayaneeyam' or such other authentic books that Bali was pushed to the netherworld. Instead, such texts say that the noble king had emerged victorious in the trial by Vamana and he was blessed by the God," it said.

The writer also criticised the general picturisation of Mahabali as a man with moustache, potbelly and wearing an 'olakkuda' (traditional palm leaf umbrella).

"It is an attempt by some vested interest to distort the mythical stories and paint in poor light the characters of Hindu Puranas," the writer said, adding that such attempts to destroy Hinduism should be checked.

According to mythology, Onam is connected with Asura' (demon) king Mahabali, under whose reign everyone lived in happiness and equality.

Envious by his popularity, Devas' (Gods) sought the help of Lord Vishnu to get him banished into the netherworld.

But before going down, Mahabali secured a boon from Lord Vishnu to visit his subjects every year on the 'Thiru Onam' day.

The demon king's annual visit is celebrated by Keralites, who lay by their front yards with floral carpets, wear new clothes and prepare a sumptuous feast.

Comments

ali
 - 
Tuesday, 13 Sep 2016

If hindu can follow valmiki (thief)script as holy book, they can trust anything. There is no surprise in onam.

Most of hindu gods looks like demon, what is wrong in worshiping demon king.

Satyameva jayate
 - 
Tuesday, 13 Sep 2016

Another few RSS workers may die soon....ha haa....that is kerala

True indian
 - 
Sunday, 11 Sep 2016

Correction. It's vishnus avatar. Too many gods. Thats why got confused.

True indian
 - 
Sunday, 11 Sep 2016

These rss donno that Fish is shivas avatar. Fish is more holier than cow.
But these people have problem with beef slaughtering which is zero pain in proper halal method.

And fish which die painfully when it comes out of the water.

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News Network
July 13,2020

Bengaluru, Jul 13: Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday said that the state government should provide vitamin C drug, Ayush Ministry-certified immunity boosters and sanitisers to every household in the wake of the coronavirus spread.

"Karnataka government should provide vitamin C drug, Ayush Ministry-certified immunity boosters and sanitisers to every household to fight against COVID-19," Kumaraswamy told media.

The JDS leader further stated that "appropriate medication should be provided to those who are "symptomatic" by the Karnataka government and added that "by taking such measures the government can halt the spread of the virus."

If the government is not able to provide the health kit to everyone then at least they should give it to the BPL families, he added.

Kumaraswamy also stressed upon organising awareness campaigns about the coronavirus and use of supplements among the masses to prevent themselves from contracting the infection.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Karnataka has recorded 38,843 cases of COVID-19 to date.

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News Network
April 30,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 30: The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to allow migrant workers, tourists, students and others stranded in different parts of the state due to the ongoing lockdown to return to their native places, a day after the Centre issued guidelines for the process.

This will be a one-time movement and the government would arrange buses for those in need but they should bear the expenses, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said. He also said people willing to return to the state would have to undergo tests for COVID-19. The decision was taken at the state cabinet meet and it might come into effect from Friday as the Chief Secretary will have to issue an official order, he said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken decision on movement of people and the Centre had issued a circular in this regard. Following this we have decided to permit interstate and inter-district movement," he told reporters here.

Travel expenses should be borne by those willing to return and if they want the government can provide buses from the state transport corporations. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday issued orders allowing migrant workers, tourists, students and other people stranded in different parts of the country to move to their respective destinations with certain conditions, giving a big relief to the distressed people. Decision on opening of salons and liquor shops will be taken after May 3, he said.

Madhuswamy said permission would be given for one-time movement of labourers and others who want to go from one district to other for work or any other purpose. Those operating industry or establishment and want to move from place to place for management purpose will be given passes with strict scrutiny and through checks.

Responding to a question, the minister said, "we don't know yet how many are willing to go, where they will go, if some one asks for permission, we will permit." "One family or two or three people want to go, they can use taxi. If too many people want to go, we will provide facility through transport corporation buses," he said.

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News Network
February 17,2020

Bengaluru, Feb 17: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday assured that the Centre is committed to stand by its promise of providing Rs 18,600 crore Bengaluru suburban Rail project.

Addressing a press conference after a post-budget interactive session with the representatives of the various trade bodies, industry leaders and others here, she said that the union cabinet has already given its clearance for the long-pending project.

Informing that the central government will have 20 per cent of its capital share in the project followed by another 20 per cent share from the state government, she said "beside this, the union government will stand for a sovereign guarantee for the rest of the 60 percent share, which can be raised through loans from external agencies".

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