Karnataka: Gandhi temple in Mangalore!

Mangalore, May 7: As Karnataka undergoes the State Assembly elections on Saturday (May 10), a Gandhi Temple, first ever in the country, stands a spectator to all the theatrics of political leaders.

Located at Kankanadi in costal town of Mangalore, the Gandhi Temple attracts people who believe that Mahatma Gandhi and his principles are meaningful even decades after his death. Gandhi is worshipped here thrice a day like any other God in temples. Mahatma's statue today stands here as a helpless and mute witness, which many visitors feel is due to the political hypocrisy showcased all around. Set up in 1948 by Gandhi devout Narasappa Saliyan and Somappa Saliyan, the statue is today valued as of a God and offered Puja. Boja Karkera, the Temple trustee tells Gandhi is God here and relevant even today. Visitors to the temples also believe Gandhi is God.

Poonam, one of the young regulars at the Temple says Gandhi still inspires youngsters. She says: "The Gandhi temple in Mangalore stands a mute witness to the political hypocrisy. Hope the generation finds him relevant in this avatar (reincarnation)." By K.G. Vasuki

ANI