HC stays immersion of Talacauvery Shivalinga

Karnataka High Court gave an interim stay order on Wednesday, on the decision of Talacauvery Kshetra Temple Committee to immerse a damaged Shivalinga at the Kshetra, in the sea.

The temple is under the management of the state government's Muzrai Department.

The temple committee had unearthed a Shivalinga near Agasthyeshwara Temple in Talacauvery Kshetra, several months ago. But, as the Shivalinga was found to be broken, it was decided to immerse it in Poompuhar.

Following a difference of opinion between the villagers and the temple committee, some devotees approached the court. They attributed the natural calamities in Kodagu to the unearthing of the damaged Shivalinga and to the decision of immersing it.

The controversy

Development works were carried out at Talacauvery and Bhagamandala Kshetra in 2005, at a cost of Rs 15 crore. As the original Shivalinga at Agasthyeshwara Temple was found to be damaged, it was replaced by a new Shivalinga.

The broken Shivalinga was placed in a copper container and was buried as per the suggestion obtained through 'Ashtamangala Prashne' ritual. But in 2006, during a 'Tamboola Prashne' ritual, it was revealed that the Shivalinga should not have been buried. Instead, it should have been immersed in the sea.

A few days ago, the buried Shivalinga was unearthed as per the advice obtained through another 'Ashtamangala Prashne'. The Shivalinga is now placed in a box. There is opposition to the immersing of Shivalinga as it is said to be consecrated by Sage Agasthya.

A retired official from the Archaeological Survey of India who visited Talacauvery recently examined the Shivalinga and opined that it dates back to the period of Ganga empire and is 1,000 years old.

"However, there is a need for a detailed study and if the Tantri of the temple permits, it could be sent to the museum," the official told the temple committee.

Talacauvery-Bhagamandala Temple Management Committee chairman Biddatanda S Thammaiah said, "The temple Tantri was about to write to the deputy commissioner regarding the immersion of Shivalinga. The date was finalised for immersion. However, the High Court orders will be adhered to and we will submit our plea before the court as per the Tantri's directions."