Gods own country and Godmen’s own country

Is God’s Own Country turning into “Godmen’s own country”? Well, if the recent incidents of fraud godmen are any indication, the God’s own country, Kerala, is already in the grips of such godmen and godwomen. In the most literate state in the country, people in the recent past were seen more and more being influenced by these so-called self styled godmen and godwomen.

The recent arrest of two godmen in Kerala has thrown light to the nefarious activities of these swamis and also their nexus with politicians and the police. The first swami to be arrested was Santhosh Madhavan alias Swami Amritananthachaithanya, and was charged with the rape of a teenage girl and possession of ganja (marijuana). The police also recovered a tiger skin and a large number of pornographic films from his ‘Ashramam” in Kochi.

The second self styled guru to be arrested was Himaval Maheswara Bhadranandaji, known as ‘Ernakulam Swami’. This swami created a mess at the police station where he was detained. In full view of the media, this swami with a pistol at his forehead was seen to be hurling abuses at the media. When the police tried to stop him, he shot the pistol, injuring himself and another.

Both the arrested swamis are said to have links with politicians and also police officials. Soon after the arrest of Santosh Madhavan, a deputy superintendent of police, who is believed to have shielded him, was asked to go on leave. Many politicians, film stars and government officials are said to have links with Santhosh Madhavan. It was alleged that he was closely associated with a Marxist minister and that this swami decided the auspicious time of this minister’s son’s wedding; time has changed and even Marxists have become believers. The Ernakulam swami was reportedly present at the wedding of another Marxist leader. Even the Congress leaders are said to have close links with these swamis. They were seen standing close to these leaders at many functions.

After the arrest of the two godmen, more and more fraud swamis and swaminis are coming to the fore. The Kerala government is said to have plans to hold a detailed inquiry into the wealth of all godmen and godwomen from all religious communities. The police has already begun a probe into the activities of these self styled godmen and godwomen.

There is a great nexus between Fake swamis and swaminis, politicians, drug pushers and money launderers. The Kerala society’s acceptance of these fraud swamis has only encouraged them to thrive in this God’s own country’. It is said that when people encounter some problems, they find solace in these fake godmen and godwomen, who cleverly make use of the opportunity. These godmen are also considered to treat some ailments.
The police also fear to investigate into their activities because of their influence in politics and also in the police department. No one knows the actual assets of these swamis and swaminis. The amount of money that flows into their “ashram”, internal and also foreign, is not being audited.

Apart from the Hindu swamis and swaminis, there are also fakes from other religions who are engaged in selling spiritualism. Even as these smaller swamis are arrested, the most influential ones are still at large. Some godmen and ‘’ammadaivams” (women gods) are well established in the state. They run educational institutions and even super speciality hospitals. Most of them have become international gods travelling abroad once in a while to the US, Canada, Europe and many other country’s. No one has ever dared to question these bigger “ammadaivams” and swamis. They use the green channel facilities to travel and no one knows what they bring in or what they take out of the country. Most of the institutes, which are run as charitable institutes, have no auditing and accountability.

The government should also probe these bigger gods. Let all the fake ones be brought to light. But it is to be known how far the government can handle the so-called self styled godmen and godwomen.

Creations

Words have thy drained
Shrouded in the Muse’s veil.
To hurt me;
What promoted thee?

Have thy bracketed me forever
My Muse?

Show me the blue horizon of words,
Drag me through thy horizons of rainbow.
Let me dwell on thy bower, for ever and ever.

Unclothe,
Let me sup thy nectar of virginity,
Let me know the truth of life.
Let me sleep on thy laps and muse.
And know the depths of emotions.