Pooja Rights Dispute Among Priests Temporarily Resolved at Malali Lakshmi Devi Temple in Holenarsipura

A dispute over worship rights among traditional priest families at the famous Sri Lakshmi Devi Temple in Malali village, Holenarsipura taluk, led to temporary disruption of ritual services on Monday. Historically, 24 families belonging to the Yadav community have taken turns to conduct temple rituals, with each family serving a 15-day term. However, as the temple falls under the jurisdiction of the State Muzrai Department, official authorization from the revenue administration is required for priests to perform duties. Tension escalated when appointment orders were issued to only 6 out of the 19 applicant families, leaving the remaining families excluded. Disagreements between the appointed priests and the excluded families resulted in the temple remaining locked during early morning hours, causing dismay among visiting devotees who had gathered for darshan. Upon learning of the situation, Holenarsipura Tahsildar Y.M. Renukumar reached the spot and mediated between the conflicting groups. He assured the priest families that a fair and permanent resolution would be finalized after reviewing the documents and administrative guidelines. Following his assurance, the temple doors were reopened and morning pooja rituals resumed, allowing devotees to obtain darshan.