Kms015. Maha Swami Against Dowry

KANCHI MAHA SWAMI During the year 1926, at Chettinad Where Kanchi Maha Swami stayed, Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar stated, How much hardship dowry had caused? He pleaded Maha Swami for a remedy On the compulsory payment of dowry, And Maha Swami also agreed with him Saying that his idea also was the same. Demanding dowry in marriages Has become a regular practice, Among the high class people, And also the middle class people. While the rich can pay dowry It surely gives a load of worry, To the middle class people, Whose resources are very little. Maha Swami was really averse, To this kind of bad practice, Among the rich or middle class, Overloading their marriage expenses. When many marriages were delayed, Otherwise, not even performed, Due to their financial problems, Dowry increased their sufferings. At one stage, Maha Swami declared, That his name need not be mentioned In the marriage printed invitation, If dowry was paid or taken by anyone. This kind of severe demand From the great spiritual head, Did work really in several cases, Leaving a few exceptional ones. Thus Maha Swami tried his best To bring a change to every habit That, in turn, caused more miseries, With his kind or harsh words. ‘Payment of dowry was one such, Practice, 'to quote as an example, Where he took severe measures For the smooth conduct of marriages.