Mangaluru: The administration committee of Barebailu Sri Jarandaya Banta Daivasthana and Sri Varahi Panjurli Daivasthana on Friday clarified that the daiva néma and related rituals performed following actor Rishab Shetty’s vow were conducted strictly in accordance with the shrine’s long-established customs and traditions. The clarification came amid criticism and online commentary questioning the manner in which certain rituals were performed.
Temple committee rejects allegations
Addressing a press conference, temple committee honorary president Ravi Prasanna said that the enne boolya ritual, which drew particular attention, has been practised at the shrine for several years and was carried out exactly as prescribed by tradition. He questioned the propriety of analysing or passing judgment on the state of daiva possession without adequate knowledge or understanding of the customs followed at the shrine.
“Every daivasthana has its own unique practices that have evolved over generations. It is inappropriate for outsiders to comment on rituals without understanding their spiritual and cultural context,” he said.
Vow made after seeking daiva’s permission
Ravi Prasanna explained that actor Rishab Shetty had made a vow a few months ago to offer a néma at the shrine. Permission for the same was first sought from the daiva, as is customary, and only after it was granted was the ritual performed.
He clarified that all procedures were followed with due reverence and adherence to tradition. “Nothing was done arbitrarily. The daiva’s consent is central to every ritual, and this néma was no exception,” he said.
Clarification on enne boolya ritual
Responding to specific claims circulating on social media, Ravi Prasanna stated that during the enne boolya ritual, the daiva did not lie in anyone’s lap. Instead, the daiva sat on the ground holding the hands of the service bearers, a practice that he said was neither unusual nor new.
“This method has been followed earlier as well. It is part of our ritual practice and has been accepted by devotees for generations,” he said, adding that selective visuals and commentary had been used to create confusion and misrepresent the ritual.
Hurt to faith of devotees
Ravi Prasanna expressed strong displeasure over what he described as misinformation being spread about the shrine. He said that individuals who lacked knowledge of daiva worship and its customs had made irresponsible comments, hurting the sentiments of devotees.
“Such remarks have caused pain to people who have followed this faith for generations. This is not just about one ritual or one person, but about respecting an age-old belief system,” he said.
He also alleged that some of those now criticising the shrine had previously targeted other religious fields as well, indicating a pattern of deliberate provocation.
Complaints lodged, legal action planned
The temple committee has lodged complaints with the Police Commissioner and the Kadri police station against individuals accused of spreading false information and posting abusive comments online. Ravi Prasanna said legal action would be initiated against those responsible.
“We will not remain silent when our faith is attacked. Necessary legal steps will be taken to ensure that such misinformation is not repeated,” he said.
Collective prayer by villagers
Earlier in the day, villagers gathered and offered a collective prayer in front of the Jarandaya Banta daiva shrine. The prayer was held as a mark of solidarity and faith, with devotees reaffirming their belief in the daiva and the traditions followed at the shrine.
Residents said the collective prayer was also intended to restore spiritual calm amid the controversy and to express support for the temple committee and ritual performers.
Daiva nartaka speaks on faith
Daiva nartaka Mukesh also addressed the issue, stating that for him, the daiva itself was his media, court and authority. He said the rituals were performed exactly as taught by elders and passed down through generations.
“All answers will come from the daiva. We only follow what our elders have taught us,” he said, emphasising that daiva worship was rooted in faith rather than public opinion.
Others present
Temple committee vice-president Akshith Suvarna, general secretary Charan and senior member Krishna Bhat were present at the press conference. They echoed similar views and appealed to the public to refrain from drawing conclusions without understanding the spiritual traditions involved.
Conclusion
The temple committee’s clarification seeks to reaffirm the sanctity of daiva worship and defend the continuity of customs followed at the shrine. As debates around tradition and modern scrutiny continue, the committee has stressed the need for sensitivity and respect towards indigenous belief systems that form an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage.