Kartik Krushnapaksha Dashmi, Kaliyug Varsha 5116
HJS demands to withdraw screening of ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ hurting the National Sentiments of Indians and the religious sentiments of Hindus at IFFI 2014
Panaji 18th November – Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has demanded to withdraw the screening of the Marathi film ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ at International Film Festival of India 2014 (IFFI) in Goa as it hurts the National Sentiments of Indians and the religious sentiments of Hindus. HJS has submitted a memorandum in this regards on 17th November to minster of Information and broadcasting, chairman of IFFI and ESG.
The memorandum says that ‘Ekadashi ‘ is the tithi (eleventh day of the lunar month of Hindu Calendar) which is related to Hindu God Bhagvan Vishnu. There are twenty four Ekadashi’s in a year and each with a particular spiritual significance. Film director has created another ‘Ekadashi’ by naming it as an Elizabeth Ekadashi which is misleading and denigration of ‘Ekadashi ‘. This is hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. Secondly the poster of the film depicts Elizabeth standing on a brick which is akin to the incident of Bhagvan Vithal standing on the brick thrown by his devotee Pundalik and also shows Bhagvan Vithal on cycle . This is also distortion of the incident and hurting of religious sentiments of Hindus. Thirdly in the film, Scientist Newton is called as ‘Sant’ (Saint). Newton which is again misleading and defamation of a Saint. This will give wrong information to the viewers mostly children as it is projected as a film for children and launched on Children’s day. Also what will the International audience think about Indian films? Lastly, the name Elizabeth brings forth the image of British Queen Elizabeth and bitter memories of British Rule in India which is again showing lack of National pride and hurting the very National sentiments of Indians.
– Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
BJP Govt. should immediately impose ban on film ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ for ridiculing Warkaris – Rameshwar Maharaj Shastri
November 18, 2014
Kartik Krushnapaksha Navmi, Kaliyug Varsha 5116
Action by Warkaris to protect seats of worship of all Hindus is worth emulating !
Mumbai – ‘Elizabeth Ekadashi’ (Marathi movie released on 14th Novmber) has ridiculed the manner of worship of Warkari Sampradaya. Ban should be imposed on this film. H. B. P. Rameshwar Maharaj Shastri, the Founder President of Shri Warkari Prabodhan Mahasamiti and Mahamantri of Akhil Bharateeya Sant –Samiti warned BJP Government that Warkari sampradaya and Saints would resort to agitations if the Government failed to take action. In a press note, H.B.P. Rameshwar Maharaj Shastri has stated that
1. Warkari Sampradaya follows observances including different types of ekadashis vrat as per Dharma-granthas, like Mokshada Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi etc. Warakaris abstain from food and water during such observances. It is a noble concept of merging with Srihari (Deity Vitthal) for self uplift.
2. Giving name of Elizabeth who is neither Warakari nor a Saint for Ekadashi is mockery; denigration of Warkaris’ manner of worshiping.
3. In a way, it is insult of Warkari Sampradaya and Saints-Seers; and it will not be tolerated.
4. The Government established at Centre and State believes in and respects Saints. During the swearing in ceremony, the State Chief Minister had invited Warkaris, keertankars, Dharmacharyas and Saints and honored them. We thank the Chief Minister for the same; but we will never tolerate insult of Warkaris’ way of worship.
5. The Chief Minister should take note of Warakaris’ sentiments and impose ban on the above film; else, Warkaris will have to stage agitations. If so, what is the difference between the Congress and the BJP Government ? BJP should take immediate note of our demands.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
Protest : Movie Elizabeth Ekadashi denigrates Hindus’ deity Shri Vitthal
November 13, 2014
Kartik Krushnapaksha Saptami, Kaliyug Varsha 5116
Movie posters denigrate Deity ShriVitthal; set to release on 14th November !
An upcoming Marathi movie titled “Elizabeth Ekadashi” directed by Paresh Mokashi (Mayasabha and Essel Vision productions) has denigrated Hindus’ revered deity Shri Vitthal (ShriVishnu’s incarnation) through its official promo pictures. (Pictures below)
1. Firstly, the movie title itself denigrates Hindu Dharma. Also, the title denigrates Deity ShriVitthal as He is shown in the form of a letter in the title.
2. Secondly, ShriVitthal is shown standing on the cycle. Showing any Deity as per one’s whims and fancy amounts to denigration of the Deity. Vitthal actual stands on a brick that was offered to him by His devotee Pundalik. Showing ShriVitthal on a cycle is disrespectful even to the great devotee Pundalik.
3. Thirdly, Queen of England, Elizabeth is shown standing on a brick with arms akimbo which further blasphemes ShriVitthal.
Vishnu’s incarnation ShriVitthal is worshipped by lakhs of Hindus mostly from Maharashtra and South India. Innumerable Hindus have had spiritual experiences of ShriVitthal (also called as Vithoba) in their lifetimes since last 1000 years. Many Hindus have also attained Sainthood by worshipping Vithoba. Prominent amongst them are Saint Tukaram, Saint Namdev, Saint Sakhubai etc. Using this much revered Deity for commercial gain, as well as elevating Queen Elizabeth to the status of a Deity is condemnable.
The very essence of spirituality and devotion is shackled by this movie’s title. HJS is strongly protesting against the same. HJS also urges Hindus all over to oppose the release of this film in a lawful manner. The producers of the movie should tender an unconditional apology and withdraw all the posters with immediate effect.
Devout Hindus are protesting lawfully on following contact details
Paresh Mokashi (Film Director) : [email protected]Essel vision (Producer of the film) : [email protected]
Phone : 022 – 26736454
Ekadashi Vrat denigrated by associating it with ‘elizabeth’ !
Spiritual significance of Ekadashi :
1. Ekadashi is basically performed as a vrat (Vowed religious observance) to worship Vishnu.
2. This is basic amongst all vrats. Unlike other vrats, this need not be started by making a sankalp and performing rituals.
3. According to the influence of time, the proportion of sattva, raja and tama components (see below for meaning) in each organism varies. On the day of Ekadashi the sattva component is highest in living organisms. Hence, it is beneficial if one undertakes spiritual practice.
4. History: In ancient times, there was a war between Deities and demons. By performing penance, Mrudumanya, son of demon Kumbha, acquired immortality as a boon from Lord Shankar. Therefore, even Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva etc could not defeat him. Fearing him, the Deities hid on the Trikut mountain, in a cave underneath an Amla (Emblica officinalis) tree. As they had no food, it resulted in their fasting on the day of Ashadhi Ekadashi. They bathed in the rain. Then all of a sudden, energy was created from their breath which killed the demon Mrudumanya who was waiting at the entrance of the cave. This energy is the Goddess of Ekadashi.
5. Ashasdhi Ekadashi – The pilgrimage to Pandharpur: This vrat is undertaken from Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi. Amongst Vaishnavites, the Varkaris are the main sect. In this sect, depending on the type of initiation, a pilgrimage to Pandharpur is undertaken annually or bi-annually. It is believed that carrying out the pilgrimage on foot is physical penance. On reaching Pandharpur, Varkaris take darshan of ShriVitthal. Radiance of all Deities is concentrated in the vrat of Ashadhi Ekadashi.
So we see that the ekadashi vrat has spiritual significance which the movie’s producers have completely ignored! Moreover, they have tried to trivialize this great vrat (which is performed by millions) by calling their movie Elizabeth Ekadashi !
The censor board fails to protect Hindu sentiments once again!
Concerned Hindus will note that Hindu sentiments have been yet again trampled upon by the CBFC (Censor Board). Devout Hindus and conscientious citizens should unite to urge the government to dissolve the CBFC and appoint members who will stay faithful and truthful to the CBFC guidelines, while striving to uphold the culture and heritage of this country !