Following the immense success of the film "Kantara," which portrays the tradition of deity worship in coastal Karnataka, allegations have surfaced about interference in religious practices in the vicinity of the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ). Complaints have emerged that officials are obstructing rituals at the historic Kantheri Jumadi temple located near Bajjpe.
With around 800 years of history, the Kantheri Jumadi temple falls within the MSEZ area. Reports indicate that access to the temple and its regular rituals have been restricted. Similar to the events depicted in "Kantara," there are claims that authorities are interfering with the deity's worship. The area was declared an economic zone in 2006, which reportedly led to the displacement of several temples and religious sites, yet the Kantheri Jumadi temple remained intact, credited to the divine protection believed by locals.
As a result of prolonged struggles to preserve the site, the Nelldiduk Guttu was recognized as a memorial by the district administration in 2016. MSEZ had granted special permissions for religious practices at the temple, allowing villagers to participate in the worship. However, recent restrictions have reportedly prevented devotees from performing the rituals, leading to local outcry against the MSEZ authorities, particularly as the significant annual festival approaches.
Traditionally, this temple hosts an annual festival that sees significant local participation, but now, the MSEZ officials have allegedly denied permission for religious activities during the ritual season. Locals have expressed their frustration over these restrictions, twofold compounded by the belief that the sacred water from a specific well on the temple premises has healing properties.
