Portraying gods in poor light to attract stern action

The State government will soon crack down on those who portray Hindu gods and goddess in poor light, Muzrai Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary announced on Wednesday.

“We plan to ban indecent depiction of images of Hindu gods and goddesses, especially on dress materials and cracker packs. If required, we will bring in a legislation to curb such a tendency,” Poojary told reporters, after holding a meeting with top department officials.

The department had received a number of complaints in this regard, he said. Representations had also been received that naming bars and restaurants after gods and goddesses had hurt religious sentiments, he pointed out.

The State government is preparing a roadmap to promote tours to 25 temples across the State, the minister said.

An amount of Rs one crore will be released for improving amenities at these temples including accommodation, drinking water and toilets. Besides, special guides will be appointed at each of the temples to provide historical information and other details to the visitors, he said.

The department has planned to tie up with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation to arrange special buses to these temples. The minister said land belonging to the Muzrai temples would be surveyed to recover encroached portions. Deputy commissioners and temple management committees had been instructed to conduct the survey, he said.
Poojary said the Muzrai department planned to observe one day in a year as a day of religious celebrations and the date would be finalised soon.