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The Rediff Interview/Shankaracharya of Puri

'It's my duty to protect the religion'

The Shankaracharya of Puri, Swami Nischalanand Saraswati, is no stranger to controversy, be it his advocacy of Sati or his suggestion that women be prohibited from reading the Vedas. He has stirred up things again by suggesting that Hindu converts pray in separate (Swastik) temples. He spoke to M I Khan in Puri on the latest controversy.

Unlike other Shankaracharyas, you are outspoken in your views. Do you enjoy creating controversy?

Look, I am neither publicity-hungry nor do I like to be in the news. It is the media which creates a controversy out of my statements. That is not right. I believe in working for the benefit of the world and common people without discrimination. You must remember that sanatan Hindu dharam (religion) is very scientific and philosophical. But due to the increasing influence of western civilisation and education systems, a large section of Hindus in the country have been alienated from the religion.

The Hindu religion stands for the welfare of the world. I decided to attack the influences that corrupted Hindus. That is why I am trying hard to interpret ground reality with Hindu philosophy and scriptures. This is not acceptable to a small section of the people, who create a controversy out of it. I feel the truth is very powerful and surprises people, but it always prevails and creates an atmosphere of peace and tolerance.

But your suggestion of constructing separate Swastik temples for converted Hindus sounds like discrimination against those who have chosen to return to the fold.

Where is the discrimination? I made it clear that they should enjoy all rights available to Hindus. But as they are new to Hindu society and to avoid any confrontation over the use of temples, a new plan has been chalked out to built Swastik temples. Thousands of temples can be built for Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 each, across the country. From the remotest tribal areas to cities, there will be a temple everywhere. This Swastik represents Lord Ganesha as per prescribed texts.

There is clear division over your suggestion. Can you elaborate which Hindu scriptures talk about Swastik temples for converted Hindus?

Look, the Swastik is a sacred symbol of Hindu religion which indicates the presence of God. It has been mentioned and talked about in several Hindu scriptures. Besides this, it is also respected by Jains and Buddhists and seems to have inspired the cross (symbol of Christianity). That is why a Swastik temple is the ultimate place of worship for all Hindus.

You have not mentioned any particular scripture.

I told you several Hindu scriptures talked about it. That is the reality.

There are differences over conversions because many feel that conversions are not permissible in the religion. A Hindu can only be born, unlike in Christianity or Islam. Do you agree?

I don't agree. In Hindu nations like India or Nepal, there are a number of Gods and Goddesses worshipped by people. There is a clear multiplicity of religions. Keeping this in view the concept of uniformity may create social friction. Therefore, we have decided to go ahead with the conversion process to save the religion from the onslaught of other religions like Christianity.

Are you against the conversion of tribals by Christian missionaries?

Of course. I am totally against the activities of Christian missionaries. They should be punished by the law of the land. In fact, legal action should be taken against them for converting the innocent tribals by offering allurements. We have already launched a programme to bring back converted tribal Christians into the Hindu fold.

You have reportedly said that you will reconvert Muslims, who were converted to Islam 400 years ago. It means after Christians, Muslims will also be reconverted?

(After a long pause.) That will be decided at the right time. At the moment our focus is to get back converted Christians into the Hindu fold.

Don't you think your conversion programme may create communal tension in the country? Why have you chosen Manoharpur, which is a very sensitive place? Is it not contradictory to your statement that you want to create peace in the country?

The reconversions in Manoharpur village cannot be criticised on the pretext of justifying the tolerance and religious broad-mindedness of Hindus. If conversions of Hindus to Christianity are not objectionable then why should there be any objection to the reconversions of Christians into Hindus. After all you cannot allow the country to be overrun by Christianity, as has already happened in some areas like Nagaland.

Till recently, it was said that your relations with the Sangh Parivar were not good. But today you are being used to implement their Hindutva agenda.

First of all there were no differences with the Sangh Parivar. For the sake of strengthening the Hindu cause, organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and others are united. Being a Shankaracharya, my duty is to protect Hindu religion. We don't tolerate interference of others in Hinduism.

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