Socialite attract criticism for inviting Muslims to Iftar at ancient Krishna temple

Bengaluru: Pejawar Pontiff and social thinker Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swamiji have attracted criticism from various quarters for hosting Muslim community members at an Iftar party organised by the Mutt on August 24. The seer has defended the event, stating that he had done nothing wrong to hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindus, instead he had upheld the ethos of the Hindu religion of tolerance and harmony.

Maveric pro-Hindu leader Pramod Muthalik slammed the senior pontiff for his act stating that it had hurt the sentiments of Hindus. However, others, including former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda of the BJP welcomed the Seer's gesture and said it was a wonderful example of communal harmony.

The seer had invited a group of Muslims who broke their Ramzan fast and participated in a harmony feast in the complex of the ancient Udupi Sri Krishna temple, for the first time in its history. The seer said he had a 40-minute meeting with Mr Muthalik and explained to him that he had been striving to bridge the gap between the communities and had never failed to raise his voice when injustice was meted out to Hindus.

The Muslim community had been cooperative during the paryaya, he said. He said Muthalik’s claim that he had hurt the sentiments of Hindus held no water as he had received accolades from all sections of the society. The pontiff, however, denied the charge that members of the Muslim community were allowed to perform namaz on the premises of the Mutt.

Regarding the other apprehension over beef consumption, the seer said it is not only Muslims who consume beef, there are also some Hindus who eat beef. Just because they consume beef, people cannot be stopped from entering the temple. They can be advised or requested not to consume beef, the seer said.

Mr Gowda said here today that it was not wrong on part of Sri Vishvesha Theertha Swamiji inviting Muslims for Iftar and it was an emotional issue for the good of the society. ''Politicians wear caps during Ramzan festival and give pose to the media and others. But that the seer has done is not for any show off. He was done to uphold the importance of communal harmony,'' he added. (UNI)