Karnataka: Upper castes frown at Dalits’ entry into temple, idol removed from temple!

Upper castes allegedly started protesting against Dalits entering the Kalabhaireshwara Swamy temple in Mandya and took away the idol installed in the temple.

Mandya: The centuries-old Kalabhaireshwara Swamy temple in Hanakere village of Mandya district became the subject of controversy on Sunday as a section of the village started protesting against the entry of Dalits, leading to the ceremonial deity’s idol, which is paraded during the temple’s Utsava Murthi-mela, being shifted to a secure area within the temple premises.

However, the entry of the Dalit community into the temple, which is managed by the endowments department, was allowed after a prolonged meeting of government officials and police officers.

The meeting, held at Hanakere, about 13 km from Mandya city, was aimed at addressing the growing demand for inclusive entry into the temple.

Some villagers objected to the decision, citing old traditions and argued that a separate temple for the Dalit community has already been set up in the village.

They expressed their disagreement by shifting the Utsava idol to another chamber, and said they had made financial contributions for its maintenance. Amid the controversy and rising tension, the temple doors were closed around noon.

The temple was reopened by late afternoon, allowing devotees from all castes to participate in the rituals. Authorities also deployed heavy police force to ensure peace in the village.

Mandya tahsildar Shivakumar Biradar said the situation will be brought under control peacefully and will promote mutual understanding in the community.

Courtesy : Hindi News