The committee of Kattemadu Maha Mrityunjaya Temple has submitted a report to the district administration stating that no changes would be made to the temple bylaws.
Speaking to the media persons at Madikeri, Committee president Shashi Janardhan said that the villagers and the Committee have decided not to amend the temple’s existing bylaws, including the rule that does not allow rituals or practices of any community and added that they are awaiting the decision of Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC).
Kodagu Gowda Samaja Federation president Soortale Somanna, speaking at a press conference said that they have no objections to the demands concerning the Kodava culture and traditions. “However, it is not right to target the Arebhashe Gowda community. We will not interfere in the temple matters, but if the Arebhase Gowda community is hurt, we will stand by them.”
He added that it is not appropriate for BJP MLC Suja Kushalappa to make statements in favour of one community. If the BJP does not take action against him, the Arebhase community will distance itself from the party.
The Kattemadu Temple Issue
The controversy erupted last December when a group of men dressed in traditional Kodava attire were reportedly denied entry into the newly built Kattemadu Maha Mrityunjaya Temple during its annual festival celebrations, with the temple committee citing its bylaws as the reason. A section of the Kodava community took offence to the temple’s dress code regulations, which prevented them from entering the temple premises while wearing their traditional attire.
As the majority of the temple committee members belonged to the Arebhashe Gowda community, the protesting Kodavas alleged that they were being deliberately targeted and denied their traditional and cultural rights. These allegations further fuelled tensions, and the issue quickly escalated.
March by Arebhase Gowdas
The situation was further aggravated by a series of allegedly derogatory social media posts and comments directed at the Arebhashe Gowda community. In response, members of the Arebhashe Gowda community organised a protest march in Madikeri.
Incident of Violence
The situation became more contentious when the temple’s Chief Priest, Vignesh Bhat, who was perceived to have supported the temple committee’s bylaws, was allegedly assaulted by some members of the Kodava community. Bhat gave conflicting accounts, initially naming his alleged attackers but later denying those allegations.
The District Administration and the Police handled the situation efficiently, imposing curfews in sensitive areas and ensuring that no further untoward incidents or acts of violence occurred.
March by Kodavas
In a counter-mobilisation to the march organised by the Arebhashe Gowda community, thousands of Kodavas from different parts of Kodagu participated in a large-scale rally that culminated in Madikeri, where they presented their own charter of demands.
