The Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, the seat of famous Karaga festival in the city, was witness to a minor protest by priest A. Jnanendra and his supporters, who attempted to stop another priest appointed by the Muzrai Department from entering the sactum sactorum.
The Muzrai Department had appointed Manu as an additional priest for the temple in March this year. However, according to P. Dinesh, tahsildhar, Muzrai Department, Mr. Jnanendra has not allowed Mr. Manu to perform any rituals since his appointment.
“The department officials, along with Halasoor Gate police personnel, accompanied Manu to the temple and ensured he was allowed to enter the sanctum, where he performed the rituals on Saturday,” said Mr. Dinesh.
MLC and former member of the Karaga festival committee P.R. Ramesh said that as per directions of the Karnataka High Court, the priests have to alternate the duty of carrying the Karaga every year. “Going by this, Mr. Manu should be carrying the Karaga this year. But, Mr. Jnanendra does not want to let go of his position.”
This is not the first time the priest has courted controversy. A few years ago, Mr. Jnanendra refused to hand the charge of carrying the Karaga over to another priest Mr. Lakshmisha and the issue went to court. The court ruled in favour of Mr. Lakshmisha.