Why Are Hindu Saints Being Targeted and Defamed?
The targeting of Hindu saints can stem from a variety of reasons, including personal rivalries, political motives, or controversies surrounding their actions or teachings. Additionally, in some cases, misunderstandings or misinterpretations of their beliefs or practices can lead to scrutiny or criticism. It is essential to evaluate each situation individually to understand the specific reasons behind any targeting.
The Role of Conversion Mafias in Targeting Hindu Saints
For a long time, Hindu saints have been targeted by conversion mafias, often referred to as missionaries, because they come from the Guru-shishya parampara (the teacher-student tradition) and represent the real deal for these organizations. These mafias often seek to undermine the spiritual and cultural authority of Hindu saints in order to promote their own agendas.
A Real-Life Example: Sri Chendalankara Sampath Kumara Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami
To illustrate the challenges faced by Hindu saints, let's take the example of Sri Chendalankara Sampath Kumara Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami, a Sri Vaishnava sannyasi and the pontiff of the Mannargudi Chendalakara Shenbaka Mannar Matha. Jeeyar Swami has been dedicated to spreading the teachings of Sanatana Dharma (eternal religion) and has been particularly active in addressing social and religious issues.
In the Corona Virus Situation: He feeds 200 people daily with the support of ?1.5 lakh. He organizes food distribution and travels with his personal vehicle to reach those in need. This is a clear indication of his dedication and compassion towards the less fortunate.
Community Tensions and Religious Involvement
In August 2016, he successfully resolved a major problem between the Thirukulathor and SC/ST communities in Pazhangallikkadu near Vedaranyam. Initially, the local SC/ST community was denied access to temples and religious ceremonies. VCK (Vishwa Kolar Chuamar Ilakkiyam Party), a political party claiming to represent Dalit interests, and the Tamil Nadu Tavheed Jamaat (a notorious Islamist organization) created further tension by advocating for non-existent religious intolerance and convincing the gullible villagers to convert to Islam.
Jeeyar Swami's Intervention: To counter this, Jeeyar Swami performed a Mahalakshmi Homam (sacred ritual) in the temple premises. He honored one of the leaders, Senthil, who was advocating conversion, and asked him to take an oath to be responsible. This action brought about a positive shift in the community's attitudes.
Activism on Social Issues
Jeeyar Swami also actively works towards animal welfare, promoting Gau Raksha (cow protection). He has been involved in variouscampaigns, including the Mangalaasasanam worship in more than 50 Divya Desams (holy sites) and the performance of Pancha Samskaram Samashrayanam (a series of rituals). In addition, he has organized Flood Relief camps to help those affected by the 2016 floods.
Judicial Challenges: On June 29, 2017, while traveling near Palani, he witnessed cattle being transported in cramped conditions. He complained to the police and brought the issue to their attention. However, the leftist VCK and Islamist SDPI (Sarkar Dalit Committee) tried to halt the proceedings and even launched a campaign against Jeeyar Swami. Activists from Shiv Sena and RSS also gathered to support him. Despite this, some of the group infiltrators attacked his car, causing injury and stress.
Current Campaigns
Jeeyar Swami continues his efforts in spreading awareness about conversion activities by organized religions. He has been campaigning in Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Pondicherry, particularly in SC/ST colonies, performing Lakshmi Pooja in their houses. He believes that the poor should be respected and included in the customs as part of their culture and traditions.
Why Hindu Saints Are Targeted by Anti-Hindu Forces
This example illustrates that Hindu saints are often targeted due to their efforts in promoting community welfare, religious harmony, and social justice. The strategies employed by conversion mafias and anti-Hindu forces include creating divisions, spreading misinformation, and using legal and illegal means to undermine the saints' efforts.
Pranams to this Vedic Brahman: Despite the challenges, Sri Chendalankara Sampath Kumara Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami continues to spread Dharma among the poor and less fortunate people.
Conclusion: The targeting of Hindu saints by both internal and external forces reflects the complex dynamics of religious and social tensions in contemporary India. Simultaneously, it highlights the resilience and dedication of these spiritual leaders in the face of adversity, serving as beacons of hope and positive change.