VHP seeks transparency in Puttur temple redevelopment
VHP seeks transparency in Puttur temple redevelopment
The issue has acquired political overtones, with a section of devotees and temple elders expressing disapproval over the manner in which the redevelopment has been pursued under the leadership of local MLA Ashok Kumar Rai.
Mangaluru: A fresh controversy has erupted over the redevelopment of the historic Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanding greater transparency in the execution of the project and strongly opposing the proposal to construct a public road through temple land.
In a memorandum submitted to the temple’s administrative board on Monday, a VHP delegation said it fully supported the comprehensive development of the temple and improved facilities for devotees. However, it questioned the rationale behind the proposed public road passing through property belonging to the temple, arguing that such a move could compromise the sanctity of one of Dakshina Kannada’s most revered shrines.
The organisation contended that decisions of such significance should not be taken without consulting devotees, local residents and stakeholders. It called for a public consultation to discuss the redevelopment plans, including the proposed road alignment, project estimates and master plan.
The issue has acquired political overtones, with a section of devotees and temple elders expressing disapproval over the manner in which the redevelopment has been pursued under the leadership of local MLA Ashok Kumar Rai.
While there is broad support for modernising temple infrastructure, several senior devotees have questioned the absence of wider consultations before initiating sensitive changes affecting the temple precincts. Critics argue that the controversy is less about development itself and more about the process adopted in taking decisions on matters closely linked to religious traditions.
The VHP also sought details of the demolition of the Nataraja stage and adjoining structures, asking whether statutory procedures, including tender norms, had been followed and whether revenue generated from salvaged materials had been properly credited to the temple’s accounts.
Among its key demands, the organisation insisted that no public thoroughfare should be permitted through land belonging to a temple administered under the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department. At the same time, it clarified that it had no objection to constructing an alternative approach road from the Madivala Katte side to serve Hindu households.
The memorandum further called for the restoration of regular thrice-daily rituals for the Naga deity and Navagraha shrine, early completion of the Ayyappa temple within six months, permanent arrangements for distribution of theertha and prasada to devotees, and a commitment that all major decisions concerning the temple’s future be taken only after building consensus among devotees. The delegation was led by VHP district president Dr Krishna Prasanna and included several office-bearers and local activists.
