Mangaluru: Converted decades ago, Christian family returns to Hinduism

Mangaluru: Aida Thomas who is about 70 years old is now Gauri Poojarthi. Her son Arun Monthero is Arun Poojary and her daughter-in-law Suneetha is now Sangeetha. It was a sort of Ghar Vapsi for the entire family who returned to Hinduism from Christianity after about four decades. The family hails from Padavinangady in Mangaluru. 

After the ‘Shudhi Kalsaha Snana’ at the Gurupur Vajradehi Mutt, in the presence of Shri Rajashekharananda Swamiji, the family members are now Hindus. According to sources, Aida had converted to Christianity from Hinduism about four decades ago. 

“About a decade ago, the family came in contact with the Mutt. They wanted to return to Hinduism. Though they were Christians, they used to go to temples in Kateel and Polali. Even when they were Christians, they worshiped Hindu Gods. Though initially we were hesitant to take them back, they continued their efforts. A few years ago, they contacted us again with the help of Hindu outfits,” the Swamiji told Deccan Chronicle.

“It was not an easy task as we had to ensure that it was not a conversion like other religions do. We told Arun that only if he really wanted it, we would consider his proposal of returning to Hinduism. Legally too, all steps were taken for his conversion right from changing his religion in the documents. Finally on Monday, Arun and his family returned to Hinduism," he said.

“They told me they wanted to return to Hinduism as Billavas. I discussed it with a few Billava community leaders who readily accepted the proposal saying they would welcome the family to their caste. Thus the family has now become part of the Billava community," he said, adding,"The two children of Arun and Sangeetha had Hindu names and we have continued them." A few more religious programmes including Mudradharanam will be held as part of their return to Hinduism. 

Though there is no clear picture about the caste of Aida when she was a Hindu earlier, saffron outfit leaders claim that she hailed from a Brahmin family in Kasargod and got converted to Christianity. She was married to Thomas who is dead now. However while returning to the Hindu fold, the family preferred to become Billavas.