Karnataka Temple Bans Vehicle Parking For Non-Hindus, Puts Signboard Warning Of ‘Legal Action’

In another instance of growing intolerance in the country, the management of the historical 12th-century Mahathobhara Mahalingeshwara temple in Puttur taluk of Karnataka has banned vehicle parking by non-Hindus, stirring up controversy.

A notice board put outside the temple by the management says that non-Hindus are not allowed to park their vehicles in the Devamaru Gadde area which lies in front of the temple. It warns that legal action will be taken against those who violate the guidelines, IANS reported.

The temple’s management president Maliya Keshava Prasad said that if non-Hindus parked their vehicles in the land belonging to the temple, “it caused trouble for Hindu devotees who visited the temple”, substantiating his stance.

He said many worshippers, including the members of the Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagaran Vedike has complained about non-Hindus parking their vehicles in front of the temple, prompting them to put up the warning board.

The temple comes under the state Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Dakshina Kannada’s Superintendent of Police, Sonawane Rishikesh has said that the police will initiate action according to procedures.

An IANS report said that the district administration has issued a notice to the temple management in this regard and is inquiring into the matter.