Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, May 26: Kuntaru Ravish Tantry, who was fielded by BJP as its candidate from Kasargod constituency in the recently held assembly election in Kerala, was defeated at the hustings. Now, Tantry has been served with a show cause notice on behalf of Lord Mahalingeshwara temple here.

Tantry happens to be the advisor and guide of the said temple in matters concerning holding of religious procedures, having been acknowledged as an expert in such matters. The temple has sought explanation from Tantry within ten days as to why he should not be removed from the post of Tantry of the temple for having fought an election on behalf of a political party.

The post of Tantry in any temple envisages responsibility of overseeing temple festivals and providing suitable guidance supported by what is stated in scriptures wherever there is confusion over holding of any religious procedures. At the same time, Ravish Tantry is not the hereditary Tantry of the temple. In the past, Kemminje Nagesh Tantry was discharging duties in that post. Narasimha Tantry from Kudupu temple replaced Nagesh Tantry, after which Raveesh Tantry was given charge of this post, which responsibility he has been discharging since the last 18 years.

When approached, temple authorities said they will arrive at a decision after holding discussions on all aspects. Kuntaru Ravish Tantry stated that he has received the notice and that he will clarify the matter as there is time to respond. He stated that he is no a permanent employee of the temple and that he will have to look into legal, religious, and other aspects of the issue before responding to the notice.