Visakhapatnam: Seers and Hindu religious organisations are seeing ‘Narasimha Deeksha’ which was introduced a few years ago and now being patronised by Simhachalam Devasthanam as an opportunity to attract the tribals drifting away from Hinduism and from joining other faiths in Vizag Agency tracts. As part of ‘Dharma Pracharam,’ Simhachalam Devasthanam has been promoting a 41-day ‘Narasimha or Chandana Deeksha’ on the lines of Sabarimala Ayyappa Deeksha and Vijayawada’s Bhavani Deeksha.

The Narasimha Deeksha has now become an integral part of various pockets of Vizag Agency dominated by tribals, who the Hindu organisations consider vulnerable and are attracted to other religion. It was first introduced in Paderu six years ago when 32 tribals embraced it for 41 days. The numbers have gone up and now, every year, around 2,000 tribals are taking the deeksha.

Interestingly, a 2015 presentation by the then state DGP J.V. Ramudu to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on internal security scenario had discussed conversions in the state and the tribals in Vizag Agency are among the targeted group. “Conversions are rampant in some parts of the state with organised groups specifically working towards it, taking advantage of poverty, illiteracy, social and economic conditions and personal issues of certain individuals and families belonging to the majority community. Targeted Communities: Tribals in Visakhapatnam District, IT professionals, students in Hyderabad city, Kadapa and coastal districts of East, West and Krishna. Need to keep a close watch on communal developments and attending them before they take a violent turn in sensitive areas,” said the presentation.

Some Hindu religious organisations are promoting the deeksha in tribal pockets. The deeksha is taken during Dhanur-masam of the Telugu calendar and they wear sandalwood colour clothes. “This kind of deeksha will help keep the Hindu flock together in Agency tracts. Tribals have been neglected and ignored since ages. It’s our duty and responsibility to save the tribals from other religions and this kind of deeksha will help. Simhachalam Devasthanam has been doing a commendable job and should appreciate the efforts,” Pendurthy Sri Sarada Peetham seer Swamy Swaroopanandendra Saraswathi told this correspondent.

Sri Sarada Peetham has been encouraging tribals to take up the deeksha and has also been educating them on how to maintain austerity during the 41 days. Simhachalam Devasthanam has been providing deeksha clothes free of cost and also distribute pamphlets and other material on the rules.