Kannada flags in a procession leading up to the inaugural session of the 86th Akhila Bharat Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Haveli on 6 January 2023.Photo credit: Sanjay Ritty
“It has become fashionable among some intellectuals to speak and write about Hindu culture and Indian traditions in derogatory terms. They seem to take pleasure in insulting Hinduism.Unfortunately, it seems to be on the rise these days,” said researcher and retired professor Sangamesh Savadatimasu in Haveli on Jan. 7. He said while delivering the presidential address at the session on Vachana Literature at the 86th Akela Bharat Kannada Sahitya Sammerana.
“Some intellectuals continue to claim that Vachana literature by Sri Bhasaveshwara and other Sharanas is against Hindu culture. Some intellectuals have misinterpreted Vachana based on their prejudiced reading and understanding of Vachana literature, and this is my firm belief,” he said.
“All such opposition seems to come from one ideological group.
“The Vachana writers were not anti-traditional. They strived for spiritual greatness while supporting Hindu heritage and culture. I spoke of a simple ritual as a means of not denying the
“The Vachana writers did not deny the Hindu tradition.
“There is no doubt that the Vachana writers were progressive. But they did not deny Hindu culture. It is true that some Vachanakara criticized the Vedas, but others quoted extensively from the Vedas and used them as the basis for discussions of renunciation and liberation.
“If they object to any ritual or Vedic literature, it is contextual and temporary and should be viewed as such. To interpret is to rush to conclusions without getting too deep into their thinking,” said Dr. Savada Timas.
He claimed that some critics misinterpreted Ambigala Chodaia’s vachana. th century. Contrary to popular opinion, he did not oppose the ritual. In fact, he advocated rituals such as pada pooje and other his acharas. He was also a proponent of the Vedic Purana He Agama and other texts. On the contrary, Ambigala Chowdaia criticized the worshipers of Ishta Linga, Dr. Savadatimasu said. He quoted from his Ambigara Choudaiah vachanas to support his claim.
Sri Annadaneeswar Swami of Mundaragi recalled the contribution of FG Harakatti, who compiled most of the vachanas in the early 1920s. th century. Dr. Kantesh Ambigar described Ambigala Chowdaia as a true rebel against temple culture. Philosopher Vina Bananje talked about vachana and spirituality.
