Belagavi (Karnataka), Oct 26 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said the government was considering a new scheme to safeguard gold and jewellery in temples across the state, maintain proper accounts and ensure their effective use for adorning deities and conducting rituals.
He was speaking after laying the foundation stones for various development works at the Renuka Yellamma temple premises in Saundatti in Belagavi district.
Shivakumar said he had instructed the Muzrai Minister K S Basavanthappa to use approximately 42 kg of gold at the Saundatti Yellamma temple to adorn the deity and make the darshan more attractive for devotees.
“Proper accounts must be maintained for the gold held by all temples in the state. There should be no scope for concerns about gold being kept in boxes and someone taking it away. Jewellery meant for the deity should be put to proper use in adorning the deity. We have taken steps to introduce a special scheme in this regard during our government’s tenure,” he said.
A comprehensive development plan costing Rs 215 crore has been undertaken for the Yellamma hill shrine, he added.
According to a statement from the CM’s office, offering his prayers to the deity, Shivakumar said he was delighted to light the sacred lamp and participate in the programme at the temple.
“We have gathered at the sacred shrine of Yellamma, who nurtures, guides and protects everyone. It is my good fortune to have the opportunity to participate in this auspicious occasion,” he said.
According to him, devotees believe that Yellamma removes hardships and relieves suffering. Considered a manifestation of Goddess Durga, she is believed to protect people belonging to all sections of society.
“I, too, have visited this temple and prayed to the goddess during difficult times. My family members have also visited the temple without my knowledge,” he said.
Observing that devotees travel long distances to visit the shrine, he said it reflected the deep place the goddess occupied in people’s hearts.
“Religion and faith are personal matters. Faith is very important in human life. In our culture, we worship the earth as a mother. Even when we visit villages, we first enquire about the village deity. Women hold a special place of respect in our culture. Even in invitation cards, it is our tradition to write ‘Shrimathi’ before ‘Shri’,” he said.
Shivakumar emphasised the need to respect all religions and live together in harmony and said that the government, too, is like a temple.
“Just as people visit temples to share their problems and seek solutions, they approach government offices with their grievances. It is the government’s duty to respond to people’s problems and resolve them,” he said.
The government had established the Praja Seva Department to take the administration to people’s doorsteps, he added.
Shivakumar appreciated senior Congress leader and former minister H K Patil for establishing a special authority for the development of the Yellamma temple, thereby laying a strong foundation for its future growth.
The government also intends to improve facilities at the temple, including free meal services and accommodation, he added.
(PTI News)
