RIDICULOUS AND HARMFUL WAYS OF WORSHIPPING GODS

V. Kumaresan

The conflicts and controversies between theism and atheism have been existing for quite a long period, right from the time mankind was able to think and act. For both thse idologies, the pivot is God. The ideology of theist about God is merely based on trust and belief and in its entirety it is directed towards suppression of certain section of mankind. Atheism is based on rationalism and spirit of enquiry. It aims at emancipation of mankind. It talks about reality in practical life rather than superstition that is structured on divinity.

Neutral persons, neither committed to theism nor atheism, amount to major section of the society. Manyu persons are said to be theists by their adherence to religious customs forced on them by brought up and practising customs. Never do they think about the rationale of their adherence to theistic preachings and practices.

Navarathiri (Nine Nights) is the celebration of the worship of three Goddesses viz. Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Durga. The division of labour among these goddesses is well known. Educastion is said to be under the control of Goddess Saraswathi, wealth under Goddess Lakshmi and bravery under Goddess Durga. The purpose of worshipping these Goddesses are for the spread of education, wealth and bravery. Such division of labour among Gods does not exist in other advanced countries. They are favourably placed on these three aspects in comparision with ours. Has the division of labour among the goddesses served the purpose? Have the people got enlightened through education by worshipping goddess Saraswathy, acquired wealth by worshipping goddess Lakshmi, become brave by worshipping goddess Durga? In the country where pooja is performed for the goddess of education, the illiteracy rate is high; where pooja is performed for the goddess of wealth, the economic situation is at a low level requiring borrowing from the wealthy nations that do not possess any exclusive god for wealth; where pooja is done for the goddess of bravery, there are still territories occupied by aliens. Why do these peculiar, contradictory conditions prevail? If a person starts to think, the foolishness behind such worshipping will come to limelight.

The way of worshipping Goddess Saraswathi must be in the line with the spread of education, whatever may be the outcome. But what does the way of worshipping Saraswathi convey? On the day of Saraswathi Pooja, no one should read any reading material. This custom kills the very spirit of learning for which Goddess Saraswathi is avowedly worshipped.

What should be the nature of Pooja performed for Goddess Durga on the day of Ayudha Pooja? Some symbolic deeds to inculcate courage must be performed. Some sort of exercises must be carried out. What does actually happen? The worshippers lay at rest all the instruments, equipments, weapons etc and do nothing connected to bravery.

Paalaabisekam (Performing Pooja by pouring milk on the idol) is a very meaningless way of worship, but still considered as a favourite custom of worshipping of God Muruga. What a superstitious sentiment it is! Only animals waste more than what they eat. Paalaabisekam symbolises the prevalence of animal instinct in devotees.

Worshipping God is a personal belief and a private affair of an individual. It should not affect others, who have no such belief. It should not be inconvenient to public discipline and order. But our people show their devotion and faith in a way causing great harm and lot of inconvenience to others. On auspicious occasions, for example, they break big pumkins in the middle of the road. This ritual is done to ward off evil eye! But the pieces left in the middle of the road cause dangerous accidents that often prove to be fatal. Such practices based on blind faith in God and religion are not only harmful but also wasteful. They will make poor people poorer.

Oh, worshippers of God, listen to Periyar E.V.R.

" Forget God, think of humans". Only people have to save themselves and not any other supernatural power on earth can save them.