A few weeks ago, a major controversy erupted at a temple in the Kollam district of Kerala after communist revolutionary songs were performed during a local temple festival. This happened at the Kadakkal temple festival. The visuals of the performance went viral, with many questioning whether temples are now being taken over by Communist cadres to further their political agenda.
For those who missed the performance, here’s the video. The song being heard is a Kerala communist song that glorifies a comrade. You can hear “Inquilab Zindabad” and “DYFI Zindabad,” and of course, not to miss the DYFI backdrop!
In response to a petition filed in this regard, the Kerala High Court had observed a few days ago that temples should not be used for politics. You may read about this controversy at the link below:
https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1511033&u=
Now, another controversy is brewing after an RSS Ganageetham was sung at a temple festival in the Kollam district. This incident took place at the Manjippuzha Sree Bhagavathy Bhadrakali Temple in Kottukkal. The temple falls under the Travancore Devaswom Board, which is managed by the state government.
You may read about this at the link below:
While the Communists constantly attempt to appropriate control over various temples across the state, the presence of the RSS and its activities often prove to be a thorn in their path. So, it’s not surprising that they are upset about an RSS Ganageetham being sung during a temple festival. But there’s a small issue here. For those unfamiliar with Ganageethams, let’s take a moment to understand what they are.
What are Ganageethams?
Ganageethams are patriotic and devotional songs sung in RSS shakhas and events across India. Rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, these songs are more than just music; they are expressions of devotion to Bharat Mata and calls to live a life of discipline, sacrifice, and national service. Ganageethams are meant to inspire unity, courage, and a deep sense of belonging among those who sing them.
Sung in multiple Indian languages, Ganageethams reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country while reinforcing a common national spirit. Ganageethams remain a key part of the RSS tradition and are sung during daily shakha gatherings as well as during special events like Path Sanchalans.
Which Ganageetham was performed at Kottukkal temple?
The Ganageetham sung at the Kottukkal temple was “Namaskarippu Bharatamangaye,” a powerful Ganageetham sung in RSS shakhas across Kerala. The song pays homage to Bharat Mata, blending devotion with patriotism. Through vivid imagery of sacrifice, struggle, and national awakening, it inspires patriots to live a life of duty and dedication.
Watch the video of the performance here
What does the song talk about?
The song is in Malayalam, and you might be interested in knowing the meaning of the lyrics. Here is a translation of the song.
Chorus:
Salutations to you, Mother India, with remembrance and reverence.
Salutations to you, Keshava, the architect of India’s destiny.
Verse 1:
Your heart, scorched and wounded, overflows with anguish. Tears shed day and night from the depths of your sorrow. Offering our entire lives at your sacred feet, We pledge anew to hoist the victorious flag of Bharat.
Verse 2:
Is there any worldly attachment that can hinder your intense penance? You are liberated, free from all illusory bonds. Your pure life serves as a beacon of patriotism, Continuously burning to illuminate the path for the nation.
Verse 3:
From birth to the final moment, you are an epitome of sacrifice. Your life, devoid of rest, is strewn with thorns. Without hesitation, you offered your very life Into the eternal sacrificial fire for the nation’s well-being.
Verse 4:
You stood alone, now inspiring millions as towering trees, Whose dense shade provides solace to the world. May the seeds of your light sprout continuously, Blooming into flowers that offer shade to the earth.
Verse 5:
Your physical form has vanished from this transient world, Your voice no longer resonates in human ears. Yet, true patriots shed tears in your memory, Finding solace and inspiration in your sacred remembrance.
Verse 6:
Though departed, you live on in every atom, breathing life into us, Burning brightly to guide us along the righteous path. Your distinguished life, radiant and profound, Remains a pure and formidable legacy beyond mortality.
Verse 7:
Behold, the eastern mountains are adorned with hues of dawn, The universe anticipates the arrival of a golden era. O revered guide of India’s future, We shall eternally sing praises of your steadfast life principles.
What is the furor all about?
As you can see, the song “Namaskarippu Bharatamangaye” is an entirely nationalistic, patriotic, and devotional song. It’s true that the song glorifies Keshav Hedgewar, founder of the RSS, as well. Regardless, Ganageethams are usually patriotic in nature. So, is this one. Why would anyone have a problem with a patriotic song? Why would anyone oppose a song that exhorts patriots to work towards nation-building?
Those who have an issue with a song like this must surely have a problem with anything related to patriotism for the motherland. Why would anyone oppose such a song simply because it is sung in RSS shakhas? Their response might be that if this song is acceptable, then Communist songs should be as well.
But wait a moment. Do Communists ever sing devotional songs praising Bharat Mata? Communist songs generally glorify Communism and revolution. Communist ideology promotes atheism, is alien to our native culture, and therefore has no place in temples.
On the other hand, RSS ideology is deeply intertwined with our native culture, is native to Bharat, and is inseparable from its temples and other places linked to Hindu spirituality.
While RSS is an organization that works for Sanatana Dharma, Communism is an ideology that works to erase it. Therefore, while RSS has a place within temples, Communism should be kept out of our sacred spaces.
What’s happening now?
Regardless, let’s not forget that Kerala is governed by the Communists. Complaints have now been filed against the music troupe that performed the song, and a separate complaint has also been lodged against the installation of RSS flagpoles as part of the temple festival.
Thanks to all the nationalists in Kerala for standing up to the bullying tactics of the Communists in the state. Sanatanis in Kerala are becoming increasingly vocal against attacks on their culture, and the Communists realize this. They know the ground is eroding beneath their feet.
The RSS and the BJP still have some distance to cover, but they are doing a remarkable job safeguarding our sacred spaces. For this, we must be grateful to every swayamsevak operating in such hostile conditions.
