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Udupi: Noble gesture of communal amity - Christian man builds temple for Hindu deity at Shirva

  •   Fri, Apr 16 2021 07:54:54 PM

Justin D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (DV)

Udupi, Apr 16: In a remarkable gesture to foster communal harmony in the district, a 77-year-old Shirva based Christian businessman built a temple for the Hindu deity Lord Siddivinayaka.

Gabriel Nazareth is the man who built the temple in Shirva of Kaup taluk. For 50 years Nazareth strived in Mumbai where he was running his business. However, for the past few years, he has settled in Shirva and lives on his ancestral land.

Moreover, over the years, Nazareth has spent several lacs of his own money sponsoring the marriage of his relatives. Nazareth is a devotee of Lord Siddivinayaka and when working in Mumbai, had immense devotion to God. It is for this reason, that Nazareth has constructed a Siddavinayaka temple on his ancestral property in Shirva at the cost of Rs 2 crore. The installation of the idol in the temple will be held on May 4. Several people have lauded Nazareth's initiative. After the installation of the idol, the temple will be handed over to his friends. He will also appoint a priest for the temple. 

Speaking to Daijiworld, Gabriel Nazareth said, "What I have done is nothing. I have walked on the path shown by the Almighty. Nothing can go wrong if we walk the path of righteousness. I have not done this for fame or pride."

"On May 4 the idol of the Lord will be installed. Later, it will be handed over to my Hindu friends. I will also build a house near the temple for the priest who performs the prayers to the deity," he added.

The complete cost of constructing the temple has been borne by Nazareth without taking any donation from the public. Appreciating Nazareth's work, people are coming forward to offer lamps, bells as donations to the temple. 

Shirva is a place that is well-known for communal harmony and Gabriel Nazareth's work has sent a positive message to the society which continues to be communal and divided.

 

 

 

 

 
  

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Comment on this article

  • Roshan Braganza, Mumbai

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    Is this needed in this crisis , they can save money for better purpose (applies to all religions )

    DisAgree [4] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Surendra Poojari, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    Great job. This is tight slap on those who fight in the name of religion, caste or creed. Great job Mr. Gabriel. May God bless you abundantly. You are following Bible and you are a true Christian. Our people should stop fighting in the name of religion which is politically motivated. Every political party trying to divide the society. We as intelligent people should not come under influence of these crooked politicians.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Suraj Fernandes, Udupi

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    I agree with you, it's a noble work

    DisAgree [3] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Romeo Lobo, Mangalore / Mumbai

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    Bible Verses who goes for against God Jeremiah 25:6: Do not go after other gods to serve and worship them, or provoke me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’ Isaiah:44:6 Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me, there is no god. Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 34:14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), Exodus 23:13 “Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Deuteronomy 8:19 And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • C DSouza, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    The religious leaders are sleeping; people are creating their own Christian teaching that suits them. Opening the Bible and reading it may open some eye, but ‘Love your neighbor’ is the only verse many Catholics can quote, today.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • John, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    I think he is unmarried Otherwise his family would not allowed him to spend such a huge amount

    DisAgree [4] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Govinda Kamath, Goregaon Mumbai

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    John Sir. What about Dr. Ronald Colaco (is married). Only unmarried/once married person can do this noble work of religious harmony.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil DSouza, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    Now , What was that first commandment ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • felix, DOHA

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    a single sentence . Means great Sunil.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • C DSouza, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    .... This is the 'broad way' Jesus was talking about!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelson, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    Jesus also said we should love one another. He never said hate anyone for thier beliefs

    DisAgree [6] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian DSouza, Udupi/ Mumbai

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    If a person doesn't obey first commandment, even if he win whole world, will looses his soul!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Suraj Fernandes, Udupi

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    He is my Grandfather, he helped his workers and other needy people in mumbai at times of there marriage and also in their sicknesses, even he helped in family also for the marriages and whovever sick , many daughters marriages he fully beared expenses also contributed to their house , he donated money to several people irrespective of cast or religion, he donated for the poor children for education , everything he done without any expectations, I apriciate all his work , Great work Abba🙏👍

    DisAgree [6] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shuba, Mangaluru

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    This noble cause irrespective of religion glorify the Lord God Almighty appreciated by all. It would go with all religions if the donations to this shrine and alms given be made available to the poor needy children for education / higher studies and the poorest for primary healthcare and old-age home for elderly who have no one to care !! God bless

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • VR, Udupi

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    As someone commented, this is indeed remarkable. No body, but Mr. Gabriel knows how his relationship and faith evolved with Lord Ganesha. He has been bestowed with happiness and health and he is contributing back. Prajavani reported that he has helped students education besides sponsoring 60 couples marriages and other charity work. BTW, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in some places by Muslims as well. In fact, Ganesh is one of the five prime Hindu deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose idolatry is glorified as the panchayatana puja.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHARLES SALDANHA, MALAD-MALWANI

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    The money was earned by him and he has the right to spend the same for his satisfaction and no one should question about this. If his act helps to set right the broken society and rebuild the trust really it would be a noble cause.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash, Mangalore

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    All Religions follow principles of religious tolerance.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangaluru

    Sat, Apr 17 2021

    Not all.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian DSouza, Udupi/ Mumbai

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    Love God with all your heart mind soul and strength. And love thy neighbour as you love yourself.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • G M Hegde, Udupi

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    Please stop shouting on mikes, it is spoiling harmony everywhere

    DisAgree [36] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • rolf, Dubai

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    it's just Reminding Krishna said worship one God there is no other God to worship. Those who worship natural things (such air, water, fire etc...) enter into darkness. They sink further deep in darkness those who worship sambhuti(created things, such as idols, statues etc.). (Yajur Veda 40:9)

    DisAgree [4] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr. Edward Nazareth, Attinje, Shirva now Mangalore

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    This is a remarkable gesture of brotherhood by Mr. Gabriel Nazareth who was my senior in Shirva. I remember Mr. Gabriel and his parents who were distantly related to me. I had visited his parents several times. We, in Shirva and in many parts in our undivided district have harmonious relationship with people of other religions. I still remember how we used to attend all the religious ceremonies at our Hindu neighborhood and their participation in our feasts. We used to respect each others' faith. It was a true brotherhood. We were respecting their rituals and they were happy with our faith. The religion had never come on the way of helping each other in the times of difficulties or celebrating the joys together. I still recollect those beautiful days of innocent communal harmony. I am sure it has put a strong foundation in our personalities which still helps us to love all human beings and religions as our own. Mr. Gabriel Nazareth is a living example of this communal harmony. I wish him all the best.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [84] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kumar, Udupi

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    Really appreciated.. this shows the culture of coastal Karnataka. we all grown visiting and participating all religions places and festivals. This should continue. When few people comes home and says visit only certain religions places and forget what you are following , then mistrust starts. Hope this new Temple will make all of us celebrate all religions festival together.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    Building temples will never benefit the God. But for sure it will benefit who are running it.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [75] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUIITH, India

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    You nailed it bro. Rightly said!!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen, Netakere

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    Faith doesn't come by bribe but comes from heart, this is the best example. We undivided DK district is the best example for harmony and people of all faith to upheld without putting their nose into others business / faith. God bless Mr. Nazerath and his family, friends and relatives.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri_elder, Karkala

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    Great job..👍 Form one trust or committee of 10 people. Your job will be easier.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kuttappa, Kodagu

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    God bless this Gentle Man !!!! I wish to see something like this in kalladka some day.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Carlton Saldanha, Shirva/New York

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    Lord Ganesha has blessed immensely to uncle Nazreth. Sincere and open devotion needs no further introduction. Universal brotherhood is the right way to preach and live.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [50] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Fri, Apr 16 2021

    There is only One God & He's the Almighty ...

    DisAgree [8] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Udupi: Noble gesture of communal amity - Christian man builds temple for Hindu deity at Shirva



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