Tensions soared in Hanakere village after Dalits were permitted to enter a centuries-old temple for the first time. The decision has divided the community, with heavy police presence deployed to prevent further unrest.
By PC Bureau
Tensions flared in Hanakere village, Mandya district, on Sunday after Dalits were granted entry to the centuries-old Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple, a first in the temple’s history. This decision by district authorities was met with resistance from some villagers, primarily from the Vokkaliga community, who relocated the Utsava Murthy (festival idol) to a secure location within the temple and conducted rituals outside in protest.
The temple, which had barred Dalits for generations, was recently reconstructed under the leadership of former Congress MLA M Srinivas and is now managed by the state’s Religious Endowment Department. The decision to allow Dalit entry followed extensive discussions involving government officials and police, aiming to promote inclusivity.
Opponents of the decision cited traditional customs and noted their financial contributions toward the temple’s renovation, arguing that a separate temple for Dalits existed in the village. Following the removal of the Utsava Murthy, a brief closure ensued as police intervened to manage the situation, which has since remained tense.
By late Sunday, the temple reopened to all devotees, and rituals proceeded as scheduled. A strong police presence ensured order. Authorities remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution as the village grapples with this historic shift in temple access.
