Madikeri: A controversy has erupted in Karnataka’s Kodagu district after a group of people entered the premises of the historic Sri Siddeshwara Temple at Gaddi Betta in Virajpet taluk and performed what local residents described as a “Chadar Chadhana” ritual associated with Islamic traditions. Videos and photographs of the alleged incident have gone viral on social media, triggering protests by local residents and Hindu organisations, who have demanded strict action against those involved.
The incident is reported to have taken place at the Sri Siddeshwara Temple, situated in the forested region near Maldare-Mathur in Virajpet taluk. According to local residents, a group of people arrived at the temple in a car, entered the temple premises and offered a ceremonial chadar and flowers while performing prayers. Visuals purportedly showing the ritual have since circulated widely on social media, sparking sharp reactions across the district.
Residents alleged that the ritual was inconsistent with the customs traditionally followed at the temple and claimed that the sanctity of the shrine had been violated. As news of the incident spread, local people gathered at the temple premises and questioned how outsiders had been allowed to carry out the ceremony inside the temple complex.
The issue soon snowballed into a larger protest, with several Hindu organisations condemning the incident and demanding the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible. Protesters asserted that places of worship should be respected in accordance with their established religious traditions and urged the authorities to prevent similar incidents in future.
The controversy also brought the Forest Department under scrutiny, as the temple is located inside a forest area where access is regulated. Local residents questioned forest officials over the alleged lapse, claiming that ordinary devotees are often required to follow strict rules and obtain permission before entering the area.
They demanded to know how the group allegedly managed to reach the temple and conduct the ceremony without any intervention from the authorities.
“We are subjected to restrictions whenever we visit the temple. If ordinary devotees are required to comply with regulations, how were these individuals allowed to enter and perform the ritual?” some protesters asked while interacting with officials at the site.
Apart from the ritual, locals also claimed that objectionable writings had been found on signboards installed by the Forest Department in the area. They urged the authorities to examine whether the incidents were connected and sought a comprehensive investigation into the entire episode.
Hindu organisations have announced protests condemning the alleged incident and urged the state government and police to initiate prompt legal action. They also demanded enhanced security arrangements at the temple to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
Police sources said the matter is under investigation, and officials are verifying the authenticity of the viral photographs and videos before taking further action. Investigators are also attempting to identify the individuals seen in the visuals and ascertain the sequence of events that unfolded at the temple premises.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any formal complaint has been registered or whether criminal charges have been invoked. Officials indicated that appropriate action would be taken after collecting evidence and recording statements from witnesses and temple authorities.
The incident has generated considerable public attention in Kodagu, with social media platforms witnessing intense debate over the viral visuals. Police have appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information or draw conclusions before the investigation is completed.
The Sri Siddeshwara Temple at Gaddi Betta is regarded as an important place of worship by devotees in the region and attracts visitors from Kodagu and neighbouring districts. The latest controversy has raised concerns among local residents, who have called for greater vigilance to preserve the traditions and sanctity of the temple.
As protests continue and political and religious organisations monitor developments, the police and other concerned departments are expected to submit their findings after completing the investigation into the alleged incident.
