Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Mar 10: The ancient platform around the grand peepal tree located opposite Lord Venkataramana Temple at Car Street in the city became a bone of contention between two groups on Thursday March 9. The platform, besides being a landmark at Temple Square, also is the spot where a number of religious activities take place.
Reportedly, the platform finds a place in the list of illegal religious structures, drawn by the government departments, as per the Supreme Court directive. The structure in question is liable to be demolished. However, the city corporation commissioner is said to have assured the concerned that the platform can be regularized under the delegated powers, if the platform is pruned to the extent of two feet each on all sides.
While the temple management and most of the devotees are said to be agreeable to reduce the size of the platform, a small group wants it to be retained in its original size and shape. Some individuals and members of organizations resented the temple management's initiative to shrink the size of the platform. After arguments in support of the downsizing of the platform and those against it threatened to hot up, the policemen intervened and pacified the crowd.
In the meanwhile, the temple management, on Thursday March 10, addressed a letter to the city corporation, giving its consent to the downsizing of the platform as above.