State to ban 'Made Snana' in 2 months

He was replying to a query by BJP member Thontadarya pertaining to the practice adopted by authorities at the Srikanteshwara temple at Nanjangud.

Gowda said the evil practice of ‘Made Snana’ prevailing in some of the temples of the State would come to an end soon. He said he had spoken to Vishweshateertha Swami of Pejawar Mutt on Wednesday night in this regard.

Earlier, Thontadarya said the Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjangud remained closed whenever someone residing close to the temple dies. Sometimes, thousands of devotees visiting the temple from distant places are forced to return without having entering the temple. Such practices should be stopped, he said.

The chief minister said that awareness among the people was necessary to prevent blind faith and superstitions, he said the matter would be referred to the Religious and Endowments Department for taking a decision. Replying to a query by Veeranna Mattikatti (Congress) as to why tourism was not promoted in Gadag, Haveri and Dharwad districts, Gowda said efforts were on to improve infrastructure facilities in 11 places of tourist importance by spending Rs 12.97 crore.

Answering another question by Mattikatti, Gowda said work had begun to improve infrastructure in 11 places of tourist importance in these districts. Work at seven places had been completed, he said. Dharwad would have three guest houses and a dormitory, while Haveri would get six guest houses and two dormitories.

Renovation of churches

Replying to a question by T John (Congress), Gowda said during 2011-12, Rs 50 crore had been released for renovation of churches, community halls and help age homes in the State, of which Rs 42 crore had already been spent. Additional grants of about Rs 11 crore would be sanctioned under various schemes, he said. Declaring that minorities need not have any apprehensions about their security, Gowda said special grants would be provided to them next year.