Mangalore devotees search for peace, harmony at Mahatma Gandhi temple

MANGALORE - Keen to spread the message of peace, non-violence and communal harmony espoused by Mahatama Gandhi, Father of Nation, Hindu devotees have built a temple in the great man’s name in Karnataka’s Mangalore District.

Devotees are said to congregate in huge numbers at this 62-year-old temple to pray before Gandhi’s idol and to spread his message to others thereafter.

“I am coming here for past 27 years. My native place is 60 km away from here and still I am coming here for past 27 years, as I am very proud of this temple,” said Subramaniyam, a devotee.

Priests at the temple offer daily prayers in front of Gandhi’s idol and also offer tea, coffee and bananas to an idol of Gandhi.

“I come here to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, who has sown the qualities of God in him. My religion teaches me to love one another and Mahatma Gandhi has shown it in his life,” said Keshva, a devotee.

Somapppa Pandith, Narsappa Salyan and Venkappa installed the Gandhi statue in 1948. They were followers of the Gandhian way of life and also participated in India’s freedom struggle.

Every year on October 2 and on January 31, the priests offer special prayers on his birth and death anniversaries. By Harish (ANI)