Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (EP)

Puttur, Jan 8: A delegation from Brahmashree Narayana Guruswamy Billava Sangha and Yuva Vahini centre of Puttur taluk visited Konalu deity temple in Konalu village, Kadaba taluk on January 6 following complaints of discrimination against devotees in the temple.

The delegation of Billava Sangha asked for an explanation from the temple committee president Sathish in the presence of Kemminje Nagesh Tantri about social discrimination against people of certain communities. It was being reported that people belonging to a specific group were not offered prasadam. Back when coronavirus induced lockdown was enforced community leaders had also visited the temple after complaints of such practices surfaced. They had also advised the temple management to avoid discrimination.

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Billava Sangha, Puttur secretary Shashidar Kinnimajal said that 20 families in Konalu limits are being treated as an outcast. “Their contributions are not being received during festivals. No receipts are issued to them for their 'Horekanike' (donation in kind),” he said.

“Arti is not provided to them during pooja. The president when questioned about this says that he follows old traditions. It is a crime under the constitution to set aside devotees in the name of caste. We have appealed to the authorities in this regard and asked them to resolve the issue. We were offered the prasadam since we went with delegation. But, the discrimination against local families is still being continued,” he added.