The only thing which we should be avoid, IMHO, is that we should not cause harm to others, we should skirt the tendency of being cynical, and we should pray for the welfare of all.
My view in this matter does not restrict itself to Hinduism or Brahminism.
It is a matter of sincerity and devotion, and no one has the right to intervene in an exclusive relationship between a person and his God.
On the question as to whether it was right on the part of a priest to cover the upper part of his body with clothes while offering pooja, or whether abhishekam should be offered while the idol is covered with clothes and ornaments, the point for consideration is whether the priest or swami who worships and the temple are covered by any particular agama which prohibits such practice.
The rituals can vary even according to agamas and tantras followed.
There are even different views as to whether it is proper to have an open abhishekam session when the deity is the mother.
Some very punctilious sects even take the view that the abhishekam is for purification and when it is offered, no clothes, no flowers etc should be placed on the idol during the abhishekam, because that can cause impurity.
Views can vary on ornaments too.
So if someone says it is not according to his understanding or reading of the rituals, it can be taken as a valid point of view .
The tone in which the view is expressed is very important. It should not lead to a feeling that just because the ritual is different, others are inferior or less favoured by Gods.
The tone in which the view is expressed in very important.
If Kali at Kalighat or Kolkotta can be offered blood,
if Kannappan can offer meat as Naivedyam to Shiva at Kalahasthi,
if Sabari could taste the fruits offered to Rama beforehand just to ensure that they are sweet,
do the rigid rituals really matter?
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