Kerala Devaswom Board Violates Centuries-Old Tradition at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple

A couple of days ago, the Kerala state government-managed Devaswom Board violated a long-standing tradition at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.

Udayasthamana Pooja is considered the most important and dearest of all poojas at the Guruvayur temple. For centuries, the Udayasthamana Pooja has been observed on the auspicious day of Ekadashi, also known as Guruvayur Ekadashi during the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam. This year’s Guruvayur Ekadashi falls on December 11th, 2024.

However, this year, the Devaswom Board deviated from tradition by scheduling the Udayasthamana Pooja on November 12th, citing concerns about managing increased crowds during the upcoming Sabarimala festival season in December.

1/5 Why the deviation?

The board's bizarre justification is that the festival would make crowd control difficult. They specifically mentioned that the 'nada' (sacred door of the deity) needs to be opened five times during the pooja, posing logistical challenges during the peak festival period.

The Guruvayur Tanthri (chief priest) vehemently opposed the change and approached the court against the Devaswom Board's decision.

While the court sought the board's response, the latter proceeded with the Udayasthamana Pooja on November 12th, bypassing the centuries-old tradition of conducting it on December 11th

2/5

What Is Waqf and Why Are You at Risk?

We have all heard about the #WaqfAmendmentBill_2024 introduced by the central government.

Many of us are also familiar with the frequent disputes that arise between Waqf boards in various states and ordinary citizens.

Recently, the Waqf board even laid claim to an entire village in Tamil Nadu, including a 1,500-year-old temple, which is older than the religion itself. But do we all know exactly what Waqf is?

For ease of understanding, let’s consider the story of a salaried man in four phases. Let’s say this is your story!

Read on!

1/8 Phase 1: Land for Your Dream Home

Let’s assume that you bought 10 cents of land from a Muslim seller for INR 50 lakhs. This is the money you saved over two decades with the dream of building a home on your land. You have paid the seller, prepared the title deed, registered the land, received the possession certificate, and completed all other related formalities.

The land now appears in your name on the Encumbrance Certificate, which is accessible online through the government portal. Once this certificate is issued, you can have peace of mind, as the land is officially yours. You now have all the documents needed to apply for a bank loan to build your home.

Keep in mind that banks have strict checks, and they thoroughly scrutinize all documents related to the land before approving the loan.

2/8

Kerala Poet Mocks Sanatana, Gets Paid Back in 3 Days

Kureeppuzha Sreekumar is a prominent leftist poet from Kerala, known for ridiculing Sanatana Dharma.

5 days ago, he visited the iconic Indian Coffee House near the revered Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.

He then shared the attached image on his social media page.

Here is the translation of his post:

"A restaurant without a photo of Ganapati. I love Indian Coffee House!"

(On the wall, a photo of a Communist leader is also visible)

The post immediately went viral, with many criticizing him for such a post. Many mockingly commended him for going all the way to Guruvayur and for having food from a restaurant located in front of the famous temple!

1/4 2 days later, the health authorities raided the restaurant and ordered its immediate closure

The reason: A customer discovered a dead centipede (locally known as 'Pazhuthara') in their Masala Dosa order (see image).

2/4

Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Isha Foundation

Supreme Court today closed the Habeas Corpus petition filed against Isha Foundation by a father of two monks who had alleged that his daughters were being held “captive” at the yoga center.

Today, the Supreme Court clearly stated that, based on their interaction with the two monks, they were convinced that the monks were staying at the Isha Yoga Center of their own free will.

Key points from the interaction include:

Voluntary Residency: The monks are voluntarily residing in the ashram.

Freedom to Leave: They're free to move out of the ashram at any time.

Participation in External Events: One of the monks recently participated in a 10 km marathon.

Family Contact: The monks are in regular touch with their parents.

1/5 What the Court Said!

The Supreme Court made it clear that the two individuals in question had reached adulthood when they joined the yoga center, and having expressed their desire to stay at Isha Foundation voluntarily, no further action is required in the habeas corpus case.

Essentially, the top court said that since these individuals are adults and have chosen to stay at the foundation of their own free will, there's no need for the court to intervene.

Additionally, the Supreme Court criticized the High Court's comments on unrelated matters, stating that they should have refrained from making such remarks.

2/5

The Story of How Nehru Threw Away Kashmir….well most of it!

A couple of days ago, there was a heated discussion in one of my WhatsApp groups. The group comprises mainly of old friends, but most of us follow different political ideologies. The discussion was about Nehru and Sardar Patel. I commented that had Sardar Patel been our first PM, the whole of J&K would have been part of India.

This was met with a lot of resistance and protest. But what amused me the most was a remark that the Pakistani raiders attacked Kashmir in October 1947 and that the instrument of accession was not signed until then. The person also said that once it was signed, the Indian army was swiftly deployed in the valley.

Seventy-seven years have passed since our independence. Do we really know how we lost a part of Kashmir?

Read on!

1/8 The Background

How many of us know that it was Mountbatten who delayed the Indian army deployment in Kashmir? At this point, you might ask a pertinent question: Who was Mountbatten and what was he doing in independent India?

Mountbatten was a British representative, and he was appointed as the first Governor General of independent India by Nehru and senior Congress leaders. Mountbatten and his wife were known to be close to Nehru and were said to have used this relationship to influence him on various matters. It is also said that Lady Mountbatten’s influence on Nehru may have led to some of his wrong decisions. Maulana Azad even mentions this in his autobiography.

Notably, Pakistan, which also became independent at the same time, had a Pakistani as its Governor General.

2/8

Nehru: The Pioneer of ‘EVM Hacking’

Yesterday, I thought I was making a harmless comment here when I said sarcastically that Nehru was the pioneer of ‘EVM Hacking’. I was only drawing everyone's attention to the fact that Nehru was chosen to be the first Prime Minister of independent India, despite the presence of other leaders who were more qualified than Nehru.

This comment was followed by remarks such as “WhatsApp Graduate” and “Show some respect,” etc. I was astonished that even in today’s digital era, there are so many who blindly believe that Nehru and his family are God’s gift to India.

It's unbelievable that so many of them still do not have a clue, about our real history. I therefore felt compelled to make this post about how Nehru became the first Prime Minister of our nation.

1/8 Sardar Patel Vs Jawaharlal Nehru

By 1945, it was clear that no one was better qualified than Sardar Patel to be the first Prime Minister of the nation. He had proved his mettle over two decades, spanning the 1920s and 1930s. He had successfully handled various agitations such as the Nagpur Agitation (1923), Borsad Satyagraha (1923), Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), and the Dandi March and Salt Satyagraha (1930), to name a few. He also played a leadership role in the preparation of the Quit India Movement in 1942.

In terms of academics, like Nehru, Patel also studied in England. The difference between the two was that while Nehru’s father financed his education abroad, Patel financed his education through his earnings. Additionally, while Nehru managed to complete his education, passing with a lower second division, Patel graduated at the top of his class in the first division.

Professionally, while Nehru struggled and was dependent on his father for his survival, Sardar Patel was a successful lawyer. By 1946, it was clear that Sardar Patel was the obvious choice to be the first Prime Minister of independent India.

2/8

What exactly did the PM say yesterday? Why are our “secular” friends so riled up?

#Thread #AbkiBaar400Paar

This is what the PM said:

“When they were in power, they said that Muslims had the first claim to the nation's resources. What does this mean? All this wealth will be distributed among those with more children.

The wealth will be distributed to illegal immigrants. Should your hard-earned money be given to illegal immigrants?

Do you agree with this? This is what the Congress manifesto says.”

Did the PM say anything wrong? Read on!

1/6 "M-slims have first claim to the nation’s resources."

PM is clearly quoting the comment made by Manmohan Singh in December 2006. The newspaper reports, as well as the video of Manmohan Singh saying it out, are available for anybody to check. (see the image.)

Manmohan Singh made this remark and PM Modi quoted this remark.

So, what are our “friends” protesting about?

2/6

Lines are Drawn for an Interesting Political Contest in the Kerala State Capital: Rajeev Chandrasekhar Vs Shashi Tharoor

#ModiAgainIn2024 #ModiKaParivar #Thread

Today morning, one of my ex-colleagues, who is not a Modi fan, texted me, telling me that the BJP is not serious about the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat. His point was that Rajeev Chandrasekhar was an unfamiliar face to Malayalis and was bound to lose to Shashi Tharoor.

My response to him was this: 'My friend, you seem to be underestimating the political acumen of the Malayali.'

1/6 Who is Rajeev Chandrasekhar?

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a Malayali settled in Bengaluru, may not have lived in Kerala, but he is well-known to Keralites as a Central minister and also due to his significant ownership stake in the Malayalam news channel, Asianet News.

Time and again, some of his video clips on various political issues have gone viral in Kerala, as well. Watch this short video clip to learn more about him.

2/6

Kerala College Festivals and Violence: What is the connection?

Look at this image. This is in Malayalam. I know most of you do not understand the language.

Regardless, what do you think this image is conveying? What does it remind you of? I was reminded of the 1921 Malabar riots.

To put it very politely and diplomatically, this image certainly does not convey a message of peace, does it? This is the poster for the Mahatma Gandhi University Festival 2023–24.

It says, "5 DAYS TO GO" for the festival

1/5 INTIFADA: Kerala University Youth Festival 2022–23

Now, take a look at this image. This is the poster for the Kerala University Youth Festival, which is scheduled to be held from March 7th to 11th, 2024.

What is written in small letters at the top translates to: 'Art’s resistance against invasion.' Don’t ask me what that means, what it intends to convey, or how it is relevant to an arts festival. I am not sure!

What is written in big letters, is this: "INTIFADA.”

2/5

George Soros and the Organization Behind India's Corruptions Index Placement at 93

A few days ago, the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023 was published. As has been the case with several such indexes in the past, India was ranked as the 93rd least corrupt country in the world, out of a total of 180 countries. In 2022, the same report placed India at 85th. While the main opposition party in India and its supporters celebrated the 'fall' of the nation, left-leaning media outlets such as 'The Wire' reported this news with a lot of fanfare.

It's no secret that over the last 9–10 years, the central government has adopted several measures to eliminate corruption. Therefore, a low ranking of 93 must have come as a surprise to many of us.

Well, do not be surprised. There is one name that many Indians have grown familiar with these days. This is the name that time and again pops up whenever there's an attempt to portray the current Indian administration in a poor light. Yes, the name is George Soros.

1/8 About the report

For starters, it doesn’t take long to figure out that there is something terribly wrong with the rankings. Some of the countries placed above India on the list are African nations: Namibia (59), Benin (70), Ghana (70), Senegal (70), South Africa (83), Burkina Faso (83), and Tanzania (87). It is beyond any logic that these countries are shown as less corrupt than India.

2/8

Why is Rajnikanth Getting Trolled? Exploring the Reasons Behind the Criticism

As we all know, Superstar Rajnikant has become the latest target of the leftist ecosystem. His apparent crime? Bowing down to UP-CM Yogi Adityanath

What transpired?

A couple of days ago, Rajnikant visited Yogi Adityanath at his residence. Following this, a video of Rajnikant bowing down in front of Yogi Adityanath went viral.

Soon after, the toolkit gang started trolling him mercilessly. One handle commented, 'What a fall,' while a popular Kerala left-leaning handle tweeted a photo suggesting that 'equality' is when you shake hands with a person, and not when you bow down at someone’s feet.

Why do we greet a person with Namaskaram or Namaste?

Apart from showing respect to the other person, saying Namaskaram acknowledges the equality of all beings. It's a way of demonstrating respect to others regardless of their social status, background, or differences. Saying Namaskaram with both palms touching has several other spiritual reasons as well.

1/4

#Rajnikanth #YogiAdityanath #JailerHits500cr #JailerRecordMakingBO #Rajnikant @rajnikanth @myogiadityanath Who is Yogi Adityanath?

We all know that he is the CM of UP. But he is also the mahant (head priest) of Gorakhnath Matt in Gorakhpur, a monastery linked to the Nath tradition of Hinduism.

A Yogi in the Nath tradition refers to a practitioner who follows the path of yoga and meditation as a means of spiritual realization and self-discovery. Yogis in the Nath tradition are known for their emphasis on ascetic practices, physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. They seek to achieve a state of union with the divine through their spiritual practices. The term "Yogi" signifies their commitment to the yogic path and their pursuit of inner transformation.

#YogiAdityanath #Rajnikanth @rajnikanth @myogiadityanath
2/4

Unraveling History: Did the Congress Truly Hold the Key to India's Independence?

Today, we are celebrating the 76th Independence Day. As expected, many handles belonging to the Congress and its supporters are highlighting how the Congress fought for India’s independence and… Reason Number One: British Economic Woes after World War 2

Let's remember that the British East India Company came to India with a simple objective: to loot India. This looting was highly successful in the early years, especially from the mid-1800s until the early 1900s. The…

Mocking Lord Ganapathi and its Aftermath: A Close Examination of Recent Events in Kerala

A few days ago, Kerala Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer mocked the Puranas, saying that Ganapathi and Pushpakavimana were myths (Related story is attached at the end)

#Kerala #Ganapathi

1/12 https://t.co/NoxNIFgLTPtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Shamseer is someone who follows all the rules mandated by his religion, praying five times a day.

He did not think twice before mocking a culture that gave his ancestors a chance to adopt the religion that he follows now.
2/12

Threatening Slogans and Communal Politics: Kerala

“Will hang you in front of the deity (nada/garbhagriha/sanctum sanctorum) and burn you alive, without Ramayana chants” – This was a highly provocative slogan heard during a M-league (IUML) youth rally in Kanjangad, Kerala… https://t.co/zTtkw5gB4ztwitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Communal IUML is a Part of the I.N.D.I.A Alliance

Remember that this is a party that is a part of the newly formed I.N.D.I.A alliance. Rahul Gandhi had given his stamp of approval on the "secular credentials" of IUML last month when he said, “IUML is a secular party.”… https://t.co/tiQIFnISsttwitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Kerala's Dark Underbelly: The Story of Professor's Hand Chopping and the NIA Court's Verdict

“The glass on my door shattered into pieces upon the powerful strike of the axe. The glass on the door next to my sister also broke as a machete struck it with force...

#Kerala

1/17 https://t.co/oIQcLX6ojMtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…
The first guy started hacking me repeatedly through the door, now without glass. I tried to resist and catch hold of the axe, managing to do so once or twice, but I couldn't hold on. Once my nerves and flesh were severed, I couldn't raise my hands anymore...
#keralastory
2/17

Supreme Court Stays the Arrest of Shajan Skariah: Kerala's Undeclared Emergency

In what can be seen as a significant blow to the Kerala Police and the state government, the Supreme Court today granted interim protection to Shajan Skariah, the editor of 'Marunadan Malayali'
1/18 https://t.co/atQiiYlqMhtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…
The criminal case was filed under the SC/ST Act and was related to derogatory remarks made against MLA P.V. Sreenijan (Related thread attached)
#keralamodel #marunadanmalayali @marunadannews
2/18

The Growing Threat to Freedom of Expression in Kerala: The Story of Shajan Skariah

This is a 'Kerala Story' of how nationalist media outlets in the most literate state are being silenced using the full might of the Communist state government.

#KeralaModel

1/30 https://t.co/VT3n78jn3Gtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…
We often hear the opposition and the left-leaning media accusing the central government of being a 'totalitarian' regime. This typically happens when the central government implements strict progressive measures. But what does totalitarianism mean?
#Kerala
2/30

Assault on Bus Owner in "Investor-Friendly" Kerala

A few days ago, we all witnessed the Kerala CM confidently proclaiming how investor-friendly Kerala is. Want to understand the "investor-friendliness" of Kerala? Please watch this video clip (Between 30-60 seconds)
#Kerala
1/12 https://t.co/2UzlOI5QQJtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…
In the video, the man being assaulted is Raj Mohan, a private bus owner, while the person responsible for the assault is Ajay, a local CITU leader. CITU is the trade union wing of the Communist Party. Raj Mohan, a gulf returnee, owns four buses.
#KeralaNews
2/12

Former DGP's Startling Revelations of the Sabarimala Controversy: Kerala Communists in a Spot

How many of you remember the Save Sabarimala agitation? It's only been four years since the agitation took place in 2018.

#Kerala #KeralaStory #Sabarimala

1/16 But the horrible memories of those days still linger in the minds of every devotee who fought to ensure that the Sabarimala traditions were not broken by a bunch of atheists.

#Kerala #KeralaStory #sabarimala

2/16

"Secular" Kerala Story of Madrasa Students Atmika and Aishika

Kerala is once again becoming a glowing example of "secularism." The story reported by Asianet News revolves around Atmika, a 6th standard student, and her younger sister, who is in the first standard.

#Kerala
1/8 twitter.com/i/web/status/1… What makes them "unique"? They both study at a nearby madrasa. Every morning, they wake up early and attend "secular" classes on the Quran and Arabic. Afterward, they proceed to their regular school.
#KeralaStory
2/8

Controversial Welcome for Sexual Harassment Accused Savad Sha: Kerala

Do you remember Savad Sha? No, he isn’t a celebrity. He was arrested for sexually harassing his co-passenger in a KSRTC bus on May 19th. He was released on bail yesterday.
#kerala

1/5 Now comes the funny part. Savad was garlanded and welcomed by the All Kerala Men's Association outside the Aluva Sub jail upon being released on bail yesterday. Here's a video of the "welcome" he received.
2/5