Deivathin Kural Series - 76

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 76 of 28 Sept 2006.

1. These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'. When he adds any personal observations he uses the phrase, 'KTSV adds'.
2. To-days chapter is from his lecture, titled, 'Varadakshanai Pratchanai, ie., 'The Problem of Dowry', in pages 377 to 380, in Volume 1 of Deivathin Kural. It is also available on-line in 'www.kamakoti.org'. Unless specifically mentioned, he or man includes, she or woman.
3. Everyone has a variety of problems, difficulties and irritations. You come here to be able to forget them at least for some time, witness the pooja and listen to my talk. But I am of the opinion that this talk, instead of being only a means of whiling away time, should convey some useful hints or advices, for you to follow in practice. Even if you dislike it, for your benefit, I should not shy away from this delicate duty. Otherwise, bearing the Title of Jagat Guru, I would be failing in my duties.
4. I am going to talk about, what has troubled me most, in my stay in Chennai. That is why I am giving this preamble. Here many eligible girls come and complain to me, with uncontrollable tears in their eyes and anger in their hearts, 'that they are not yet married'. This pathetic situation hurts me most.
5. What is the reason for these children to remain unwed, well beyond the age of maturity? We can not put the blame on 'Sarada Act'. Sarada Act debars marriage of women below 16 years of age only. But what is the reason for these girls remaining unmarried, when already in to late twenties and thirties!
6. Matter does not end there. This state of affairs is further complicated by letting the unmarried girls go for employment, earn livelyhood, look after aged parents and so on. What starts hesitantly, becomes slowly acceptable, and becomes the norm. Thus what was a shameful disgrace, against the very high ideals of our attitudes towards Woman, is becoming acceptable as an indication of modernisation. For grown up women, to work on equal footing with Men, attending office, interacting with other men in all sorts of situation etc., is totally contrary to our culture, tradition and Stree Dharma. Such a situation can and does lead to enormous wrongs. I cannot ignore this and keep quiet, as others are doing. Whether You abide with my views on the subject or not, I must have my say, as it is my duty to do so.
7. People who are parents of boys, should take a vow not to ever accept dowry. If other things are agreeable, the marriage should be conducted to the satisfaction of all concerned well within means. Dowry should not become a status symbol. Boys parents should not think that they are losing prestige by not asking for dowry. People are ready to sacrifice so many things in the name of the Nation, Language or even their political beliefs. Can you not sacrifice this henious Dowry for the sake of Your Dharma?
8. This dowry and ostentation, are two evils of our society. These should be routed out of existance. Rich should contribute abundantly for conduct of marriage in their poor kinsmen's families. By marrying off girls in time, we can save Women and the Society from many aberrations and sins contrary to Dharma.
9. In Bagawath Gita, Arjuna is concerned about this very subject. 'The women are the sustainers of Dharma. We should let a situation arise, where they can be led astray. Then there is no saving of Dharma'. The girls should be married in time and become the 'Goddess', in each house hold. This is very essential for the welfare of the whole society. Dowry must go.
10. I have no power either order you, or make you obey. But I will use one prerogative of mine, as a 'Brhma Astra. Now-a-days, many people are printing in their marriage invitation cards, that it has Jagat Guru Kamakoti Sankaracharya's blessings. You may refrain from doing so if you give or take Dowry!
Sambhomahadeva.