Compiled by C. ARUNO, RAHIMY RAHIM and R. ARAVINTHAN
A MAN in a Hindu temple in Jalan Gasing, who was seen forcefully confiscating and throwing out food brought by a woman for annadanam (food offering) has drawn flak, Malaysia Nanban reported.
In videos posted online, the woman is seen with packets of food she had brought for devotees visiting the well-known temple in Petaling Jaya.
However, an unknown man rudely confronted and told her that outsiders cannot give annadanam “in our temple”.
He also told her to just pray and leave.
The man refused to identify himself and whether he is associated with the temple committee. He is seen grabbing the items following an argument which caused the food to be spilled on the ground.
The man’s actions have drawn criticism from the Hindu community, with many pointing out that annadanam is one of the highest forms of alms giving in Hindu and Indian culture.
His actions have embarrassed the Malaysian Hindu community in the eyes of Hindus worldwide, many said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Hindu Sangam president T. Ganesan issued a statement, urging all temples and temple officials to remember that they are serving the faith and the community.
They must not act like they own the temples and must treat every devotee with respect and courtesy, he urged.
(The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)
