Finally, state govt takes over Sulwadi Maramma temple

Mysuru: The state government has finally taken over the Sulwadi Maramma temple.
According to an order issued by M Thippiramma, under secretary, revenue department (endowment), dated February 26 and published in the state gazette dated April 4, the temple has been notified as a declared temple under section 42 of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Act 1997.

According to the order copy, 17 devotees died and over 100 fell unconscious at the temple after eating prasadam on December 14 last year. On December 24, the Chamarajanagar DC had sent a proposal recommending the state government to take the possession of the temple. Based on this proposal, on January 2, 2019, the commissioner, endowment department, issued a show cause notice to the temple trust. The trust members submitted in writing that they will hand over the moveable and immovable properties to the endowment department. Based on this, the endowment department has notified the temple now.

According to sources in the endowment department, an administrator is expected to be appointed to the temple first. “After that, the government may appoint a management committee comprising locals and officers,” an officer said.

No puja in the temple

According to residents of Sulwadi village, since the December 14 incident, the temple is locked and no puja has been offered to the deity. Two local GP members said they are expecting the temple to re-open after the Lok Sabha election.

Japamalai, a local GP member, said even today the temple is closed. “We want the temple to be reopened soon,” he said.

Ramalingam, another GP member, said the locals held talks with all the stakeholders, including district minister C Puttaranga Shetty. “We are expecting a clear picture about the temple reopening after the election,” he said.