Puttur: Hindu and Muslim brethren come together to renovate 800-year-old temple

Mangaluru: At a time when hijab and saffron shawl controversy is raging in coastal Karnataka, a quaint village in Puttur, about 65 kilometers from Mangaluru, has been a shining example of communal harmony.

The Hindu and Muslim families of Sarve Village joined together to renovate the 800-year-old structure of Yelia Sri Vishnumurthy temple. The villagers contributed in cash and kind to the renovation project, which had failed in its earlier attempts due to its herculean cost.

“Several times, Muslims had requested us to take up the renovation work. Nearly 30 % of the population is Muslim and 50% Hindu. The majority of people are middle-class. A temple renovation committee was formed in 2019, after which the renovation work began,” Prasanna Rai S, the treasurer of the committee was quoted as saying by TOI.

Though they began with a zero balance, the villagers of Sarve found ingenious ways to bear the expenses — all the while to ensure that donors were not unnecessarily burdened. Dedicated WhatsApp groups were created to ask for donations. When a well had to be constructed, the donors were asked to pitch in the cost of single well-rings. For the ceiling, the villagers pooled money one square foot at a time costing about Rs 1,000 each.

Last year, a three-acre plot owned by village residents Abbas Majalugadde, his brother Majalugadde Abubacker Kooduraste and nephew Puttu Beary was also offered to be cultivated towards the expenses of the temple renovation project.

In addition, thousands of people, cutting across religious lines, volunteered to work at the construction site for its timely completion.

Through efficient use of technology, mostly WhatsApp groups, donations, and selfless volunteer work the villagers succeeded in completing the Rs 2 crore project.

The Brahmakalashotsava of the renovated temple is being held on Sunday, February 6.