Muslim man approaches police over ringing of temple bells in Chikkamagalur

CHIKKAMAGALUR: A controversy has erupted in Chikkamagalur, after a Muslim man lodged a complaint with the police about the loud ringing of a temple bell at the 800-year-old Eshwara Temple at Hale Uuppalli in the town.

The temple’s priest, Jagadish Bhat, has been conducting daily puja and ringing the bell as part of the ritual. However, the Muslim man alleged that the bell’s sound was causing mental distress and filed a complaint with the police.

The police have reportedly advised the priest to either build a wall to reduce the sound or ring the bell inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. The incident has sparked outrage among Hindu devotees, who are questioning the restrictions on their right to worship.

The priest, Jagadish Bhat, has appealed to Hindus to continue their traditions and customs, saying, “Hindus, perform your rituals. Don’t stop. If you take a step back, it will be difficult for you in the future”.