What is Sanatan Dharma and why is Udhayanidhi Stalin in the dock for his speech?

The newly-formed Opposition coalition INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) found itself in a precarious situation after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's son and state minister Udhayanidhi Stalin created controversy by claiming that 'Sanatan Dharma' is against equality and social justice and should be eradicated.

While the Congress party maintained its distance from the row, BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, targeted the INDIA alliance. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also stated that no one should be involved in any matter that might hurt people.

Unfazed by all the controversy, the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) leader Udhayanidhi on Monday (September 4) said that he spoke about "eradicating" certain practices within the faith, and he would continue to raise his voice against them.

He clarified that he didn't speak only about the Hindu faith but about all faiths that engage in such practices.

"I will talk again and again on the issue I addressed at the event on Saturday. I will speak more. I made it clear that day itself that I am going to address the issue that will provoke many, and that is precisely what has happened," he said.

What were Udhayanidhi's controversial statements?

On September 2, he was speaking at an event in Chennai when he said that Sanatana Dharma is against equality and social justice and should be eradicated. He likened Sanatana Dharma to coronavirus, malaria, and dengue fever, stating that such things should not be opposed but destroyed.

He argued that Sanatan Dharma is a "principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion and is 'against equality and social justice.' Udhayanidhi asserted that Sanatan Dharma is "like coronavirus, malaria, and dengue fever" and should be "eradicated."

What exactly is Sanatan Dharma? Is it different from Hinduism?

Sanatan Dharma and Hinduism are closely related terms, and their relationship can be a bit complex. Essentially, they are two ways of referring to the same religious and philosophical tradition practiced primarily in India. However, there are some nuances in how these terms are used:

• Sanatan Dharma: The term "Sanatan Dharma" is often translated as "eternal religion" or "eternal order." It emphasizes the timeless and universal principles that govern the universe and human life.
• Some proponents of this term use it to describe the core essence of the belief system, highlighting its spiritual and philosophical aspects. It can be seen as a way to emphasize the tradition's enduring nature and its focus on eternal truths.

• Hinduism: "Hinduism" is a more commonly used term, especially in a global context, to refer to the same religious and philosophical tradition. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, rituals, and cultural expressions. Hinduism is the term most people are familiar with when discussing the religion of India.
• In essence, Sanatan Dharma and Hinduism are often used interchangeably to describe the same tradition, but Hinduism is the more widely recognised and accepted term, both in India and internationally.

Why some people are against the idea of Sanatan Dharma?

It's important to clarify that the DMK as a political party or Tamilians as a whole do not have a unified agenda to eradicate Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism. However, there are individuals or factions within the party or Tamil Nadu who hold critical views of certain aspects of Sanatan Dharma.

These views are diverse and do not represent the entire population. Here are some reason why some people in Tamil Nadu are against the idea of Sanatan Dharma:

• Diverse beliefs: Tamil Nadu is a diverse state with a long history of different religious and philosophical traditions. While Hinduism is the dominant religion, there are also sizeable Christian and Muslim communities, as well as followers of other belief systems. Some individuals or groups may advocate for the promotion of their own beliefs over others.
• Secularism: The DMK, like many political parties in India, promotes secularism and the separation of religion from politics. This stance aims to ensure equal treatment and protection of all religions and may involve criticism of any religion's influence on government policies.
• Historical factors: Tamil Nadu has a history of Dravidian movements that have advocated for the preservation of Dravidian culture and identity. These movements have sometimes been critical of what they perceive as the dominance of Aryan or North Indian culture, which is often associated with Sanatan Dharma.
• Social justice: The DMK has historically championed social justice and caste equality. Criticisms of certain practices within Sanatan Dharma, such as the caste system, may be rooted in a desire to address social inequalities.

• Political rivalries: Criticisms of Sanatan Dharma can sometimes be politically motivated, especially in the context of electoral competition in Tamil Nadu. Political parties may use religious issues to mobilise their voter base.
• Freedom of expression: India's democratic system allows for freedom of expression and the right to critique and debate religious and cultural practices. This freedom can lead to a wide range of opinions being expressed, including criticism of Sanatan Dharma.

The majority of Tamilians practice Hinduism peacefully alongside other religious communities, and there is a rich history of religious diversity and coexistence in the region.

Sanatan Dharma and Tamil Nadu: A timeline

Prehistoric times: The Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE) and its precursor cultures lay the foundation for early Hindu beliefs and practices in the Indian subcontinent.

Sangam Age (300 BCE-300 CE): During this period, the Tamil Sangam literature is composed, which includes ancient Tamil poetry that reflects the cultural and religious life of the time.

Medieval period: Tamil Nadu sees the flourishing of Bhakti and Shaivite movements, with saints like Appar, Sundarar, and Manikkavachakar contributing significantly to the development of Tamil religious literature.

Chola Dynasty (9th-13th century): The Chola rulers patronise Hindu temples, art, and culture, contributing to the architectural and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. Temples like Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur are built during this period.

Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th century): The Vijayanagara Empire, which had its capital in Hampi, significantly influences the culture and religion of Tamil Nadu, promoting Hinduism.

Colonial Era (17th-20th century): Tamil Nadu comes under British colonial rule, leading to social and political changes. Hindu reform movements like the Arya Samaj and the Theosophical Society influence religious thought.

Independence and Post-Independence Period (1947 - Present):

1947: India gains independence from British rule, and Tamil Nadu becomes a part of the Indian Union.
1967: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party is founded in Tamil Nadu, advocating for Dravidian cultural and political identity.

1970s-1980s: Tamil Nadu sees political and social movements focusing on issues such as caste, language, and regional autonomy.
2000s-Present: Tamil Nadu continues to be a hub of Hindu religious and cultural activities, with numerous temples, festivals, and spiritual organisations.
Contemporary times: Tamil Nadu remains a vibrant center for Hinduism and continues to celebrate its cultural and religious diversity, with millions of devotees visiting temples and participating in religious and cultural festivals.

Bottom line

In conclusion, while there may be individuals or factions within the DMK and Tamil Nadu with critical views of certain aspects of Sanatan Dharma, it's important to remember that these perspectives do not reflect the entire party or the diverse Tamil population.

The majority of Tamilians practice Hinduism peacefully alongside other religious communities, and discussions about religion should be seen within the broader context of India's rich cultural and religious diversity.