BENGALURU: The state government has no plans to impose any dress code on devotees visiting temples under its ambit, Muzrai minister
Shashikala Jolle
said on Tuesday.
The Karnataka State Dharmik Parishat, a government body, had earlier suggested that traditional dress be made compulsory at Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple and Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple in Dakshina Kannada district. It reportedly favoured a similar rule in all 216 ‘A’ category temples under the Hindu religious institutions and charitable endowments department (Muzrai).
The parishat makes recommendations on rituals, pujas and dress codes at temples controlled by the government. They are implemented only if the Muzrai department and the cabinet approve them. Some temples run by the government and private trusts have put up boards asking devotees to maintain a dress code. Jolle clarified that the government had not issued any such circular. “If the parishat has taken any decision, I will look into the matter,” she added.
Jolle announced that the government would implement the
Sixth Pay Commission
’s recommendations for priests of group A and B temples. The move will benefit 1,034 priests.
However, providing higher salaries will depend on the revenue the temples accrue. The revised salaries will be given only to the extent that they do not exceed 35 per cent of the annual temple revenue.
In another move, the government will extend health cover to employees of the Muzrai department and priests of C and D category temples.
Special puja to ward off CovidJolle announced that the government had decided to organise a special puja in all staterun temples to pray for the safety of people, especially children, during a possible third wave of Covid-19. The special puja will be held on
Vijayadashami, the last day of the nine-day Dasara festival.
“As we celebrate the victory of good over evil on Vijayadashami, it’s been decided to pray to
Goddess Chamundeshwari
for the safety of our people from Covid-19 and for the end of the pandemic,” she said. The minister added that the department planned to introduce an integrated temple management system to provide details about places of worship, including sevas offered, for the convenience of devotees and tourists and to maintain transparency. In the first phase, 207 A category temples will be brought under the system and in the second stage, 139 B category ones.
A total of 34,563 temples fall under the department and are categorised as A, B and C based on revenue. Those with annual revenue of above Rs 25 lakh are listed as A, Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh as B, and below Rs 5 lakh as C. Over 3,910 staffers and 31,701 priests work at temples under the department.
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