Event held in presence of Hindu Makkal Katchi leaders

A young Christian couple hailing from Devakottai in Sivaganga district embraced Hinduism at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam on Monday, in the presence of Hindu Makkal Katchi leaders.

However, the couple — Raja Prabhu and Menaka — who got married a year ago, insisted that they had embraced Hinduism of their own accord, and were not influenced by the Hindu outfit in any way.

Bearing Thiruman — a religious mark — on his forehead, the rechristened Raja Prabhu (28) and his pregnant wife embraced Hinduism at the sannidhi of Sri Ramanuja. The event coincided with the 1,000th birth anniversary celebrations of the Acharya , currently under way at the Srirangam temple.

A teacher at a private school in Devakottai, Mr. Raja Prabhu, whose was earlier called Agnes Raja Prabhu, said he had been a Roman Catholic Christian for 28 years.

Stating that his parents and grandparents were Christians, he said they had not expressed any opposition to his decision to convert to Hinduism.

Having made this decision, Mr. Raja Prabhu said he had got in touch with members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, who made the necessary arrangements.

The couple came to the Srirangam temple on Monday morning, when a “ Suthi Sadangu ” was conducted by sprinkling holy water on them. They were then given ‘ thulasi ’ (basil leaves) and new clothes, said Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath, who was present at the occasion.

After providing a written undertaking that they were converting to Hinduism, the couple proceeded to get a glimpse of the deity.