Puttur meet condemns smear campaign against Dharmasthala temple

Mangaluru: Sri Dharmasthala Dharma Samrakshana Vedike of Puttur taluk organised a Janaagraha Sabhe at Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple premises on Monday, condemning what it termed a smear campaign and false propaganda against the renowned Dharmasthala temple and Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade.

The meeting witnessed participation from political leaders, religious heads and devotees, all emphasising the need to preserve the sanctity and reputation of one of Karnataka’s most prominent pilgrimage centres.

MLA and leaders denounce allegations

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai stated that the allegations had created confusion among devotees but stressed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe had cleared all doubts.

“Dakshina Kannada is known for temple tourism, attracting nearly 10 crore devotees annually. At any cost, we will not allow anyone to damage the reputation of the temples,” the Congress MLA asserted.

He praised Dharmasthala for its rural development programmes, de-addiction camps and emphasis on women’s empowerment, calling its services exemplary. Rai also appealed for unity among devotees, stating that temples should remain free of political influence.

Allegations termed part of larger conspiracy

Former BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel alleged that the smear campaign was part of a broader ideological attack. “Similar attempts were made against Sabarimala and Tirupati temples in the past. These conspirators want to reduce devotees’ footfall and push for government takeover of the temple,” he said.

Kateel also highlighted Dharmasthala’s contributions, including the renovation of over 2,000 temples and social initiatives that, according to him, surpassed what governments could achieve.

Religious heads and devotees stand united

Programme convenor Shashikumar Rai Balyottu said the meet was organised to express solidarity with Dharmasthala Kshetra and Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade. Vajradehi Mutt seer Sri Rajashekharananda Swami and former MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor were among the attendees who lauded the temple’s social and spiritual contributions.

Conclusion

The Janaagraha Sabhe concluded with a collective pledge to protect the temple’s sanctity and counter false narratives. Leaders called for communal harmony, respect for religious institutions and continued support for Dharmasthala’s initiatives in social development and cultural preservation.