Abstract
AN interesting sidelight on the interplay of religious and political cross-currents is afforded by the ceremonial admission to Hinduism of proselytes of both sexes and all ages to the number of one hundred and fifty, which took place in an initiation by the Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on March 17 at Bombay. This was in part a demonstration against the attitude of the more rigidly orthodox Hindus, and in part a phase of the widespread movement, of long standing, but now of increasing civil importance, of adding to the nominal roll of Hinduism. This policy, which may fairly be regarded as liberal, is at present to some considerable extent influenced by the threatened danger that the Untouchables, irked by their ritual disabilities and the intolerance of the orthodox, may withdraw entirely from Hinduism, with serious political repercussions. An interesting account of the initiation by the venerable septuagenarian Pandit is given by the Bombay correspondent of The Times in the issue of March 18. It consisted of a purification ceremony, in which, to the recitation of sacred texts, the converts, with foreheads adorned with the holy red powder, bathed in the river and then bowed before the Pandit Malaviya, who sat under the holy peepal tree. He then gave to each a portion of Panchgarya, the sacred compound of the five products of the cow milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung. When this had been consumed the Pandit whispered in the ear of each the Nama Shivaya, which is supposed to open heaven's gateway, and each convert vowed to speak the truth, to observe cleanliness, and to abstain from beef and liquor. To each was then given a petal of the sacred tulsi plant, a rosary card with rules of conduct and a piece of cloth on which were printed incantations. It is hoped by the reformers, it is stated, that these neo-Hindus will be accepted as full members of the community by the orthodox within ten years.
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Orthodox and Proselyte in Hinduism. Nature 137, 525 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/137525b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/137525b0