Devotees angry over lack of facilities for darshan of Goddess Chamundeshwari on Chamundi hill in Mysuru (Karnataka) !

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – Devotees are outraged by the inadequate arrangements for darshan at the Chamundeshwari Temple on Mysuru’s Chamundi Hill; currently under government control; and have voiced strong disapproval. Lakhs of devotees had gathered not only from Karnataka, but also from Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and other states for the first special puja of the holy month of Ashadh.

While extensive facilities were arranged for over 2,000 VIPs, ordinary devotees; many of whom had queued since midnight; were left waiting without darshan even till noon. Devotees especially expressed anguish over the condition of those who had climbed the hill on foot.
Basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets were sorely lacking, causing immense hardship, particularly for women and children.
The temple administration claimed that almond milk, water, and dry fruits were being distributed to devotees. However, the devotees firmly denied this, stating, “Nothing was provided—not even water. These false claims are likely meant to cover up mismanagement or siphon funds. We experienced neglect, not service.”

Editorial Perspectives

• How many more examples of the ill effects of temples under governmental control are needed before temples are freed from government control ?

• Devotees must not stop at expressing anger; it is time to unite and launch a nationwide movement to liberate temples from government control and show their collective strength !