While many in the community have welcomed the proposal to remove all the three pujaris and replace them with youngsters, there is pessimism about the move resolving the infighting in the community.
“The infighting between the pujaris is a small issue, but very significant, as they are the karaga bearers. This is actually being exploited by vested interests within the community for their personal ends,” alleges P.R. Ramesh.
At stake is control of the jahagir land of the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple. On record, the temple has over 800 acres.
However, most of it is not with the temple.
For instance, the city corporation building and Unity buildings have come up on temple land.
“Most of the temple land today are encroached and being exploited by vested interests. All attempts to wrest back these lands have been sabotaged,” said Mr. Ramesh.
There are allegations of swindling of finances and mismanagement of funds in the temple administration, sources said.
