A controversy has erupted at the renowned Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple in Mangaluru over the inclusion of several non-Hindu leaders in the invitation for cultural programmes as part of the ongoing Kiru Shashti festival. The move has drawn strong opposition from a local Hindu group, leading to protests and a petition to the temple administration.
What Triggered the Temple Protest?
The dispute began when the temple authorities, under the muzrai department, printed invitation cards for the festival's cultural events. The cards featured names of prominent non-Hindu personalities, including Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader and MLC Ivan D'Souza. This action did not sit well with the Sri Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti, a committee dedicated to the temple's preservation.
The group strongly opposed the inclusion of these names, arguing it breached the sanctity of the Hindu temple. In response, samiti members staged a protest in front of the temple's administrative office on Monday. The demonstrators later submitted a formal petition to the temple's executive officer, voicing their concerns about maintaining the religious character of the institution.
Who Was on the Controversial Invite List?
Beyond UT Khader and Ivan D'Souza, the invitation card also listed several other non-Hindu dignitaries for the inaugural ceremony of the cultural programmes scheduled for Monday evening. The named individuals included:
- Umar UH, Chairman of the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy
- MA Gafoor, Chairman of the Karnataka Coastal Development Board
- TM Shahid Tekkil, Chairman of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board
- Joachim Stany Alvares, Chairman of the Konkani Sahitya Academy
- Shalet Pinto, Chairperson of the Karnataka Eco Tourism Development Board
Despite being invited, none of these leaders attended the Monday evening programme. The event proceeded without their presence.
Temple Administration's Response and Festival Details
Temple executive officer Aravinda Ayyappa Suthagundi addressed the protesters, explaining the protocol followed by muzrai temples. He stated that he held discussions with the samiti members and received their memorandum.
"I convinced them of the protocol the temple follows while printing invitation cards," Suthagundi said. "They requested that names of people from other religions should not be carried in brochures. I told them that their memorandum will be sent to the government."
The Kiru Shashti festival, which commenced at the temple on Monday, is a significant annual event. It is scheduled to continue until December 26, drawing devotees from across the region for various religious and cultural observances.
