Kerala, under normal circumstances, is considered to be a “political” State where you can hardly come across a man (of course woman too) who lives sans any sort of political affiliation. Even children are not exceptions. Perhaps this phenomenon might be having something to do with the highest rate of literacy (read 100 per cent) in the State. So, if at all any wave takes place in Kerala, no doubt, it is political wave. All other waves are always on the back-burner. But, first time in the history of Kerala, what we witness in the State is spiritual wave that rules the roost in its length and breadth.
Dharm-asooya Mahayajna, led by Swami Thathathan of Thapovarisht-ashramam in Vandithaavalam, Palakkat district, was inaugurated by RSS Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat on the February 6, 2014. It was concluded on the February 12. Nearly 12 lakh people thronged the venue during these seven days.
Sreechakra Meru Prathishta (installation) in the countryside off Kozhikode city was a unique experience. The Sreechakra installed there was the biggest of that sort in the whole world. It is 10ft high, 10ft wide and 10ft long. The six day programme was organised by a committee chaired by Adv. PS Sreedharan Pillai, BJP National Executive member. It is installed in an ancient Namboothiri Illam (house) where Sreechakra pooja is going on since the last more than 300 years. More than 30,000 devotees attended the programme which took seven days to conclude. The whole area was in a festive mood and even atheists could not ignore it. Perhaps that is why local CPM MLA could not keep aloof!
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Somayagam organised under the auspices of Kashypa-shramam, Kozhikkode was another unforgettable programme in Kozhikode district. The seven day programme was attended by 4.5 to 5 lakh. National Vedic Conference and Vedic Exhibition added colours to the spiritual congregation. The programme was graced by the presence of Swami Baba Ramdev.
VHP leader Dr Pravin Togadia addressed thousands of disciplined Bajarang Dal workers in Alappuzha. And, it turned to be a mammoth Hindu Samgamam.
Another significant programme was of Sri Sri Ravishankar who made waves of spiritual ecstasy in Thrissur, Wayanadu, Palakkad and several other places in the State. The programmes attracted thousands of Art of Living lovers from all over the State. Thousands of followers of Sri Sri Ravishankar sang devotional Jnanappana in chorus.
Several Bhagavatha Yajnas are going on in every district of Kerala which are attended by thousands of devotees throughout the day. Several sanyasins are using their spiritual knowledge to enlighten the audience.
“Attukal Pongala” which is related to Attukal Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram district is the largest women’s programme in the State. Lakhs of ladies participate in the ritual. They cook prasada in public places in their own individual pots. The ladies occupy either sides of the roads at least in 15 kms radius from the temple. They come not only from different parts of Kerala, but also from different parts of Bharat and abroad. In view of the number of people taking part, it is called “Women’s Sabarimala”.
This spiritual tide gave jolts to many political programmes of Congress and CPM. The State wide political campaign yatra of CPM State supremo Pinarayi Vijayan didn't attract the people as the party managers expected or it used to be in the past. The same thing happened when Sonia Gandhi came to Kochi to address party workers last week.
But, the cold shoulder towards political leaders were not seen when Narendra Modi visited Kerala a few days before. About 3 lakh people waited in the scorching sun of Shamghummukham Beach, Thiruvnanthapuram, for more than 7 to 8 hours, not only to have a glance of their respected leader but also to listen to his spontaneous speech. It was the same situation when he addressed the 2.5 lakh strong State rally of KPMS (organisation of pulayas, the largest Dalit community in the State) in Kochi.
—T Satisan
