Service charges at Kateel Temple doubled; BJP slams state govt

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 20, 2025: The BJP has slammed the Karnataka government after service charges at the famous Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple were abruptly doubled, claiming that the burden of rising prices has now extended even to temples.

While the central government has recently indicated reducing the GST burden on the common man, the state government, instead of offering relief, has hinted at additional burdens. The Muzrai Department has revised service charges at temples under its administration, shocking devotees.

At the Kateel temple, a notice board put up at the entrance states that the revised charges will take effect from October 1. A look at the list shows that nearly every service charge has been doubled:

Hoovina Pooja: ₹120 → ₹220

Durga Namaskara: ₹60 → ₹140

Pancha Kajjaya: ₹20 → ₹40

Sarva Seve: ₹1,000 → ₹2,000

Ranga Pooje: ₹3,000 → ₹6,000

Namakarana Slip: ₹40 → ₹200

Laddu Prasada: ₹20 → ₹60

The BJP, in a social media post, criticized the move, saying: “The Siddaramaiah government’s price hikes have now hit temple services too. The state is draining money even from Hindu temples to fill its coffers.”

The post has since gone viral online.