Mysuru:  “Those who boast that theirs is an Ahimsa Dharma have to reply as to why deities are portrayed with arms in their hands. How come an armed person become a deity?,” questioned writer Prof. K.S. Bhagawan.

He was speaking after releasing the book ‘Mysuru Samsthanada Adikarnataka Pura’ at a programme organised by Ashokapuram Abhimani Balaga, Dalit Welfare Trust and other organisations at the burial ground in Vishweshwaranagar here recently.

Prof. Bhagawan observed that every deity has an arm in hand — be it a bow, an arrow or a sword and literally none without a weapon. He said that armed deities are being worshipped unawarely. Recalling that the ultimate God Shiva lived in a cemetery which should be treated as a holy and auspicious place, he said that many people in rural areas worship Lord Shiva.

Continuing, Prof. Bhagawan said that the book authored by Siddaswamy is a rare book throwing light on the history and background of Ashokapuram. He opined that the book is a guide for other writers to come out with a detailed historical narration of each extension in city.

Retired Professor P.V. Nanjaraj Urs, Dalit Welfare Trust’s Shantharaj, former Mayor Purushotham, Writer Bannur K. Raju, journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, Corporators Ashwini Sharath, Pallavi, Bhuvaneshwari and others were present.