M Gautham Machaiah

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s disdain for religious rituals and ceremonies is well known, but not many are aware that he lives in a household where every single member of the family is deeply spiritual, with poojas and homas being the order of the day.

Siddaramaiah has been dubbed an ‘Election Hindu’ by the BJP for his numerous temple visits during this poll season, but insiders say he has no option but to accompany Congress president Rahul Gandhi, much against his wishes. While Siddaramaiah describes himself a Hindu who believes in humanism, the media has at different times called him an atheist, agnostic or rationalist. Which cap fits him best is still not clear.

Whatever the chief minister’s public posturing, at home his writ does not run. His wife Parvathi, a devout Hindu arranges elaborate poojas during all major festivals to which Siddaramaiah does not object. He definitely does not sit through the pooja and at best offers an unconcerned namaskara, though he may or may not accept the prasada depending on his mood.

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While the chief minister might be visiting religious places due to electoral compulsions, his better half is often found waiting in long queues for a darshan in various temples along with other devotees. During Navaratri, Parvathi travels 150 km one-way on all nine days to offer prayers at the Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru. In her free time at home, she is usually in the pooja room reciting different mantras.

Parvathi does not interfere with her husband’s religious beliefs, but has laid down two conditions which Siddaramaiah scrupulously follows. One, he should visit the temple of Chamundeshwari before he files his nominations during every election. Two, he should accompany the family to Tirupati once a year. A small compromise to keep peace at home.

Siddaramaiah’s younger son, Yathindra, a doctor, who is the Congress candidate from Varuna constituency, has taken spirituality to a different level. A pure vegetarian, unlike other family members, Yathindra spends a substantial time in the pooja room every day, lost in prayers and meditation. He maintains a strict fast every Monday, not consuming even a drop of water. A confirmed bachelor, who almost lives the life of an ascetic, Yathindra’s email ID is appropriately titled ‘hermityat’.

The chief minister’s elder son Rakesh, who passed away nearly two years ago, led a flamboyant life, but was equally god-fearing. His day would invariably begin with chanting of hymns for about an hour and he would never step out of the house without his bulky wallet which carried the pictures of various gods, a photograph of his father and a packet of kumkum.

Rakesh’s wife Smitha, who usually accompanies her mother-in-law on her temple visits is known for keeping vows. Besides fasting on Mondays, she has vowed to become a vegetarian until the election results are announced, hoping that the Congress and Siddaramaiah will win hands down.

However, Smitha’s school-going children Dhawan and Tanmai have taken after their grandfather and have little faith in religious dogmas. While Siddaramaiah does not come in the way of his grandchildren’s beliefs, he also does not lose an opportunity to inculcate a scientific temper in them.

When it comes to matters of religion, the chief minister might be the odd man out at home, but it is one big harmonious family because everybody respects the other’s faith or the lack of it.

(The author is a political commentator and a senior journalist)