Puttur: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have urged the administration of Mahatobhara Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur to ensure transparency and consult devotees before implementing development projects, including a proposed road.In a memorandum submitted to the temple’s executive officer, the organisations said they supported the shrine’s development and efforts to improve facilities for devotees. However, they stressed that projects should not affect religious sentiments or compromise the temple’s traditions and sanctity.They said no road should be opened for public movement through land belonging to a temple governed by the Hindu religious institutions and charitable endowments department. If a road is considered necessary for the temple’s development, devotees should first be taken into confidence, the memorandum said. They also sought a public meeting or consultation involving devotees, residents and other stakeholders, and demanded that details of the proposed projects, including plans, maps and estimated costs, be made public.The representation was signed by VHP district president Krishna Prasanna, district treasurer Madhava Poojari, Puttur city unit president Damodara Patali and Puttur rural unit president Jayanth Shetty Kambalathadk.
