Mangaluru: Harinarayana Asranna, hereditary priest of Kateel Kshetra, stated that misinformation campaigns similar to those aimed at Dharmasthala had previously targeted Kateel temple as well. He was addressing the ‘Dharma Tejo Balam Balam’ Dharmajagruti Sabha held at Mangaluru Town Hall, organised by the Dhaka District Dharmasthala Bhaktabhimani Vedike, condemning the alleged smear campaigns against Srikshetra Dharmasthala.
Call for unity among Hindus
Speaking at the event, Asranna emphasised that these campaigns were not limited to one temple but were directed at multiple sacred sites. He said, “Earlier, Kateel temple was also attacked in a similar way, and we had to fight back with proper documents. Today they are targeting Dharmasthala, tomorrow they may go after Udupi temples too. All Hindus should unite and strongly oppose this.”
He further added that the aim of such campaigns was to tarnish the image of revered temples and undermine religious harmony in the region.
Tulu Nadu’s cultural ethos
Highlighting the cultural values of Tulu Nadu, Asranna said, “In our culture, it is customary to speak in polite words rather than use harsh language. Our religion upholds the same values. But today, the level of misinformation has gone beyond tolerance. I have decided not to listen to or watch such false propaganda anymore. This is not merely an insult to individuals but to entire temple constituencies.”
He also warned that the trend of adding criminal allegations to these campaigns was a serious matter that required collective action to safeguard cultural and religious heritage.
Dharmajagruti Sabha activities
The Dharmajagruti Sabha began with the mass chanting of Shiva Panchakshari followed by bhajans and other devotional programmes.
Prominent personalities present at the event included Nalin Kumar Kateel, Sharav Raghavendra Shastri, M.B. Puranik, Naveen Chandra Suvarna, Harikrishna Punarur, Nagaraj Shetty, Satish Kumpala, Harikrishna Bantwal, H.K. Purushottam, K.C. Nayak, Bharat Kumar Ullala, Jayaraj Somasundaram, Udaya Pujari, Arun Aital, Pavitra Gatti Ullala, Annaiah Kulal, Suresh Bhatnagar, Girish Uke, Dugganna Sawanthar, Santosh Kumar Boliyar, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Monappa Bhandari, Mamata Gatti and Sharan Pumpwell among others.
Harikrishna Bantwal also spoke, criticising those responsible for the alleged misinformation campaigns, while Pradeep Kumar Kalkura delivered the introductory address and welcomed the guests.
Conclusion
The event highlighted growing concerns about campaigns allegedly aimed at discrediting prominent temples in the coastal region of Karnataka. Speakers called for a unified response from the Hindu community to preserve the dignity and sanctity of religious institutions.