Temples are centres of unity and harmony: Kota Srinivas Poojari

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec. 8, 2012: Temples must be centres which build bridges of friendship and unite mankind, said Kota Srinivas Poojari, State Minister for Mujrai and Ports.

Speaking after inaugurating the first convention of temple priests and a seminar organised by the Department of Religious Endowment and District Dharmika Parishat at Town Hall in Mangalore on December 8, Saturday, he said priests are the first persons who contribute towards the progress of a shrine. They, through their unstinted devotion to God and the religious rituals, serve as a link between the temple and its devotees, he said.

 

Stating that there were a total of 34266 temples in the state, he said the temples have been classified under three categories in accordance to their annual revenue. If 125 temples were in ‘A’ category,  189 in ‘B’category and the rest 33900  in ‘C’ category. He further said  of these over 15000 temples earn revenue ranging from Rs 15000 to Rs one lakh and added the department  has implemented several programmes for their development.

He said a grant of Rs one crore each is provided to 25 selected temples of the state in order to promote tourism and added  orphanages will be opened on behalf of Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur and Kukke Subrahmanya Temple while old age homes will be set up on behalf of Male Mahadeshwara Temple and Renukamba Temple of Belgaum. There are also plans to open Gorakshana Kendras in 25 temples, the minister added.

He said the government plans to   provide ID cards to priests, housing aid of upto Rs 5 lakh  and other benefits. He said a committee would also be constituted to provide pay to temple priests and staff as per the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.

Yogish Bhat, Deputy Speaker presided over the function.  Capt Ganesh Karnik, Monappa Bhandari, MLCs, Ashok, State Dharmika Parishat Member, Krishnappa, Assistant Commissioner of the Religious and Endowment Department and Dr K Prabhaker Bhat. RSS leader and Correspondent of Kalladka Sri Rama Vidya Kendra, were present on the dais.