Belagavi, Oct 26 — Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said the state government was considering a new scheme to properly account for and preserve gold and jewellery held by temples and ensure their effective use for adorning deities and conducting religious rituals.
Speaking after laying the foundation stones for various development works on the premises of the Renuka Yellamma Temple in Savdatti, he said he had instructed the Muzrai Minister to ensure that around 42 kg of gold held by the temple was used to adorn the deity, making the darshan more attractive for devotees.
“Gold belonging to temples should be used to make ornaments for the deities. Proper accounts must be maintained for the gold held by all temples in the state. It should not be kept locked away in boxes, creating fears that someone might take it away. Temple jewellery should be put to proper use for adorning the deities,” he said.
The government had taken steps to formulate a special scheme in this regard during its tenure, he added.
Shivakumar said a comprehensive development project worth Rs 215 crore had been taken up for the development of the Yellamma hill shrine.
Describing his visit to the temple as a blessing, he offered prayers to Goddess Yellamma and said he was delighted to participate in the religious programme after lighting the ceremonial lamp.
“Yellamma is worshipped as a mother who removes difficulties and alleviates suffering. Devotees believe that she, as a manifestation of Goddess Durga, protects people from all sections of society. I have also visited this temple and prayed to the goddess during difficult times. Members of my family have also visited the temple without my knowledge,” he said.
He said the fact that devotees travelled long distances to visit the shrine reflected the deep faith people had in Goddess Yellamma.
Religion and faith were personal matters, but belief played an important role in human life, he said, stressing the need to respect all religions and live in harmony. He also highlighted the importance accorded to women in Indian culture, noting that the tradition was to write “Shrimati” before “Shri” on invitation cards.
Shivakumar said the government should function like a temple, where people approach authorities with their problems and expected solutions.
“Just as people visit temples and seek relief from their difficulties, they approach government offices with their grievances. It is the government's duty to respond to their problems and provide solutions. That is why Kengal Hanumanthaiah had the words ‘Government work is God's work’ inscribed on Vidhana Soudha,” he said.
He said the government had established the Praja Seva department to take administration to people's doorsteps and reduce the need for them to visit government offices repeatedly.