
Highlights
- Ramayana and Mahabharata dispute: VCK leader Vanniyarasu connected both epics with honor killing, which created a ruckus in politics.
- Vannirasu questioned caste -based violence citing the Shambuk episode in the Uttarakand of Ramayana.
- He said that Baba Ambedkar wanted to end this thinking, which is associated with the Varnashrama system.
- Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K.K. Annamalai called it an attack on Indian civilization and Sanatan Dharma.
- The controversy sparked warmth in Tamil Nadu politics and a sharp debate in religious communities.
The conflict between religion and politics is once again in the discussion in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s ally VCK (VCK) leader Vannirasu has recently created a new controversy by making a statement. Vannirasu Ramayana and Mahabharata dispute Bringing it to the center, he said that these epics have given validity to social evils like caste violence and honor killing. His statement has given rise to sharp reactions in political circles and especially the BJP called it an attack on Indian civilization.
What did Vannirasu say?
Shambuk episode hawala
Vannirasu, in his statement, mentioned the Shambuk episode of Uttarakand of Ramayana. He said that a Brahmin goes to Ram with his dead son and says that religion has deteriorated, so untoward is happening. After this, Lord Rama sees a tribal ascetic named Shambuk in the forest and questions him how a person of such a low caste can do penance. In this context, Shambuk is murdered and the son of the Brahmin is revived.
Vannirasu says that this story gives validity to caste discrimination and violence. He alleged that due to this mentality, even today there is violence for inter -caste marriages. He directly to this whole incident Ramayana and Mahabharata dispute Added to
The issue of Baba Ambedkar and casteism
Vannirasu also said that Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar always remained against this thinking and he worked towards ending it. According to him, some episodes found in texts like Ramayana and Mahabharata strengthen the Varnashrama system and promote caste division. He claims that this thinking is the root of partition and violence in the society.
Annamalai
Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K.K. Annamalai strongly protested against Vannirasu’s statement. He said that the Shambuk episode is not a part of Valmiki Ramayana nor is it found in the Ramayana of Tamil poet Kamban. According to Annamalai, the use of such stories is to defame Indian civilization and Ramayana and Mahabharata dispute Is being done to give political color.
He accused the DMK and his colleagues of spreading hatred against Sanatan Dharma. Annamalai said that Sanatan Dharma has faced attacks for thousands of years and will be unaffected by such attacks even further.
New storm in Tamil Nadu politics
This is not the first time controversy has arisen in Tamil Nadu about religious texts. Earlier, leaders associated with Dravidian politics have questioned Hinduism and its texts. This time Ramayana and Mahabharata dispute The issue has once again brought the BJP and DMK camp face to face.
The DMK and its associate parties have often criticized the Varnashrama system and Brahminism. At the same time, BJP considers these criticisms an attack on Indian culture and eternal religion. This is the reason that every time such statements get hot.
Are the really responsible texts?
Individual approach
Experts of religion and literature believe that texts like epic can be explained from different perspectives. One party says that these stories reflect social system, while the other side believes that it is just symbolic stories that were aimed at imparting moral education.
Differences on Shambuk episode
Experts say that there have always been differences about the Shambuk episode. Some scholars believe that it is later added part, while some consider it a real part. That’s why Ramayana and Mahabharata dispute Like issues, debate always sparked.
Impact on society
Caste violence and honor killing
Even today, incidents of honor killing and caste violence occur in India. Many sociologists believe that misinterpretation of religious texts and old thinking promotes these events. Vannirasu’s statement has given a new twist to this debate.
Politics intervention
Political parties raise these issues in their own way. While the DMK and its allies call it a debate of social reform, the BJP considers it an attack on faith and religion.
Ramayana and Mahabharata dispute Has once again proved that the relationship between religion and politics is very sensitive. Vannirasu’s statement has shocked both society and politics. On the one hand it is being seen linking with the roots of casteism and violence, on the other hand it is being called an attack on Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma.
Ultimately, the question is whether criticism of religious texts is a step towards social reform, or it is causing more division in society by becoming a part of politics.
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