Mangalore, September 27, 2014: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he would accept the suggestion of former union minister B Janardhana Poojary and would take a decision on appointing women priests in Religious and Endowment Department temples of the state on an experimental basis.
Speaking after inaugurating Mangalore Dasara 2014 celebrations of Sri Gokarnanatha Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore on September 27, Saturday evening, the CM hoped that there would be no opposition from anyone to such a move.
Continuing, Siddaramaiah said there was a need to unite the society at a time when some disruptive forces were trying to break the society in the name of religion.
The society should never forget that there is only one God who is worshipped by different names, the CM observed.
Hailing the contributions of the great saint reformer Brahmashree Narayana Guru, the Chief Minister said Shree Narayana Guru had made a revolutionary move by initiating measures to construct temples for the backward classes and the oppressed a century ago at a time when they were barred entry into temples.
The CM also stated that Brahmashree Narayana Guru had strongly advocated the empowerment of the backward classes through education and by developing self respect.
Earlier, the Chief Minister offered special prayers to Lord Sri Gokarnanatheshwara and went around the temple and also the Sri Gokarnanatha Kalyana Mantap where the idols of Goddess Sharada,Navadurgis and Lord Mahaganapathi are installed.
The CM was felicitated on the occasion on behalf of the Kshetra by presenting him a shawl and a Radha Krishna idol as a memento.
Former union minister B Janardhana Poojary presided over the function. State Ministers Ramanatha Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Abhayachandra Jain, UT Khader, Legislators JR Lobo, BA Moidin Bava, Ivan D’Souza, Mayor Mahabala Maarla and Temple Committee office bearers were among those present on the occasion.