Chamarajanagar to conduct Astamangala Pooja

CHAMARJANAGAR: The ‘jinxed’ Chamarajanagar has finally resorted to ‘Astamangala Pooja’ to get rid of the tag attached to it. Amidst protest for and against the pooja, the district administration permitted the authorities of Chamarajeshwara Temple to hold a three-day ‘Astamangala Pooja’ from September 5In this pooja, prayers will be performed to Lord Chamarajeshwara to bless the most backward district with prosperity and remove the ‘jinx’ tag attached to it.As many chief ministers stayed away from visiting Chamarajanagar for the fear of losing power, the ‘Astamangala Pooja’ has gained importance. About 35 astrologers led by Ravi Namboodari from Kerala and few from Dakshina Kannada district will participate in it.The pooja would commence from September 5 morning and preparations are in the final stages.It is said that the pooja is being conducted as a remedial measure by the astrologers, to get rid of the ‘jinx’      tag.DySP Basavaraju has taken care of security and deputed police personnel to ensure security at Chamarajeshwara temple.Meanwhile, some progressive organisations held protests against the pooja and some in support of the pooja in Chamarajanagar.The members of the Federation of Progressive Organisations took out a procession from Chamarajeshwara Temple and burnt the portraits of Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje and District Minister M P Renukacharya.Aluru Mallu, who led the procession, condemned the authorities for holding the pooja. “Instead of following superstitious beliefs, public money spent on the pooja could have been utilised for the renovation of the temple and developmental works.”Federation convenor C M Krishnamurthy condemned the authorities, accusing them of conducting the ‘Homa’ without taking public opinion as the Chamarajeshwara temple belonged to all sections.Protest in support of PoojaThe activists of pro-Kannada organisations led by Federation of pro-Kannada organisations President S Muruli also carried out a procession from the Temple to Bhuvaneshwari Circle and raised slogans against activists who were opposing the pooja. They protested in front of the temple, demanding police to arrest such activists.Justifying the pooja, he said that if they hold ‘Astamangala Pooja’, Chamarajanagar district will lose ‘jinx’ tag and it may receive development works. Opposing the pooja is not right, Muruli said.