Hassan: A dispute over the rotation system of performing puja among priests at the famous Shakti shrine, Sri Malali Lakshmidevamma Temple, triggered tension, disrupting darshan for five to six hours.The historic temple at Malali village in Holenarasipura taluk attracts lakhs of devotees from across the district and outside. For centuries, 24 families of the Yadava community have been performing puja on a rotation basis.The crisis was triggered by muzrai department rules. According to the rules, only priests appointed by govt can perform puja in the temple. In Malali, of the 24 families, only six have received appointment orders, while others are yet to get them.This led to two groups, one arguing that only those with orders should perform puja as per the rules, and another demanding continuation of the traditional turn system for all families.On Sunday, the argument turned into a clash, halting puja rituals. Devotees were made to wait for hours without darshan. Officials from Holenarasipura taluk administration rushed to the spot and held talks with both groups. As an interim measure, the officials directed the continuation of the old rotation system to restore normalcy, and assured that the issue would be discussed with the district administration. Puja resumed later, sources said.Devotees urged the muzrai department to resolve the appointment issue of all 24 families at the earliest to avoid inconvenience to devotees, especially during festival season, when the crowd is high.
