Koppal Rayara Mutt property issue: Devotees stage protest

Koppal: The devotees of Raghavendra Swamy Mutt (Rayara Mutt) situated near the railway station here have staged a protest against Mantralaya Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji late on Wednesday night over the property issue of the religious institution. They contended that the property of the Mutt does not belong to Mantralaya Peeth as claimed by the seer and it has been running independently for several decades.

The seer, who had come to the city to participate in various religious programmes claimed that the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt of Koppal belongs to Mantralaya Peeth and his statement caused resentment among the local devotees. He also advised the devotees to form a monitoring committee to ensure its smooth functioning. Stating that the Mutt's manager Janannath Hungund has been supervising it, the protesters argued that Mantralaya Peeth should not interfere in it.

Holding a discussion with the chief priest Raghu Premachar and the Mutt's manager, the seer claimed that the complete authority of the Koppal Raghavendra Swamy Mutt was given to the Mantralaya Peeth in 1971 itself and there are relevant documents to prove it.

"I have only asked them to make proper arrangements so that the Mutt runs smoothly. It is not right to portray that the Koppal Mutt is being taken over by Mantralaya Peeth. Let its manager Jagannath Hunagund continue in his post. I, personally, have no hatred or jealousy towards anyone", the seer said.

Upset over the property dispute of the Rayara Mutt here late on Wednesday night, Mantralaya Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji has returned after cutting short the puja and other programmes that were to be held on Thursday.