|
Page1
Upanayan samskara (sacred thread ceremony) of the 29 girls accommodated in the hostel at Devi Ahalya Mandir, Nagpur, was a simple but significant function. The section of the press who came in time could watch this novel function and gave it wide coverage. Shri Balasaheb Deoras was also invited. He always accepted invitations to Ahalya Mandir. Deoras attended the function till the conclusion and blessed the girls. His presence meant social sanction for such functions. Some days back the Shankaracharya had made a controversial statement about the fight of women to study the Vedas, raising a storm all over the country. The press asked for Balasaheb's comments on it. He sharply retorted: "I am attending this function. You can draw your own conclusion. No further comments." Dr Swarnlata Bhishikar, a senior office-bearer of the Jnana Prabodhini at Pune conducted the function-modified according to the exigencies of the times but retaining the original spirit.
Earlier she had come to Ahalya Mandir to explain the significance of the Upanayan samskara which she was going to conduct. A consecrated necklace with Aum forming part of it would be given to them and they were required to recite Gayatri mantra 11 times. In the morning a regular yajna was performed. Every mantra was explained in Hindi so that the girls could understand its importance. Panchadiksha was also administered. It included proper diet, regular prayer, diligent study, restraint in daily life (balanced personality), service of elders, the society and the nation. Dr Bhishikar emphasised that theirs was the right age to imbibe good samskaras. Balasaheb not only sat through the function attentively but also sought clarification about several aspects. An affair to remember.
Author : Balasaheb
Back To HVK Home
|
