Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Aug 18: In the tussle for one-upmanship between two groups that have been fighting to gain control over the administration of Marnakatte Lord Brahmalingeshwara Temple in the taluk, the group led by C Manjaiah Shetty has gained an upper hand. Marnakatte temple is a pilgrimage centre for people from all parts of Udupi district, and thousands of people gather there during the annual festival to pay obeisance to the lord and fulfil their religious vows. On Monday August 16, Manjaiah Shetty took over control of the temple as its managing trustee.

There has been a long-drawn tussle for the post of hereditary managing trustee, between C Manjaiah Shetty and another claimant, Seetaram Shetty. The tug-of-war between them had also been referred to the judiciary.

Recently, a fast track court, through an order, vested Seetaram Shetty with the temple administration powers, unseating Manjaiah Shetty, who was in control since the last three decades. Accordingly, Seetaram Shetty took charge. Manjaiah Shetty approached the state High Court against this move. The High Court, which upheld the appeal preferred by Manjaiah Shetty, stayed operation of the fast track court’s order, and ordered maintenance of status quo.

As per the instructions of the district deputy commissioner, deputy commissioner of religious endowments department, Narasimhaiah, officially handed over the power back to Manjaiah Shetty.