The Paryaya Palimar Mutt has taken a decision to ban the practice of Ede Snana at the Sri Krishna Mutt and Temple in Udupi, during the Subramanya Shashti celebrations. Made Snana was stopped two years ago with the alternative of Ede Snana introduced in its place, however now Ede Snana too is being stopped.
‘Made Snana is a ritual in which members from scheduled tribes and lower castes roll on plantain leaves, the food leftovers of lunch served to Brahmins. Ede Snana is done in a similar manner, however devotees roll over the food offered to the deities in the temple. This ‘prasadam’ is then offered to cows in the form of completion of the ritual.
Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Palimar Mutt, had announced two years ago that Made Snana would be stopped, but Ede Snana would be allowed. However, as of Thursday, this too has been stopped. It was reported that he took this decision in view of the several conflicts it paved way for and has told media that to avoid the same, this decision has been taken. “I took this decision as there will be unnecessary controversies. Such rituals can be done away with for public good,” he said.
Alternatively, prasadam will be served to those who visit the temple at the dining hall in the Sri Krishna Temple and Mutt. Prayers were also held to mark the beginning of the Subramanya Shashti festival.
Though this decision has been announced, over 300 people performed Ede Snana at the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada district yesterday.
Made Snana has been a major controversy over the past few years. While several people have objected to the ritual, those who practice it believe that it cures them of skin diseases and other ailments. Many devotees also vow to do Made Snana if their prayers are answered.
The 2017 Karnataka Prevention and Eradication Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill had banned the tradition of Made Snana in view of its violation of human dignity.