At a time when Karnataka is tackling with politically and religiously Hijab and Saffron Shawls controversy, Hindu and Muslim residents of Sarve village, about 65 kilometers away from Mangaluru, Karnataka serving a shining example of communal harmony.
The village's population is 30 percent Muslim and 50 percent Hindu, the majority of people are middle-class, now families of both religions jointly contributing to the renovation of the 800-years-old Yelia Sri Vishnumurthy temple in the village.
Though several attempts have been made in the past to revive the temple, but all were fail due to it's herculean cost. The work begin with a success when the whole village came in support of the project, abate the religious barriers and deliberately contributed in cash and kind to the renovation project.
"In fact, many a time, Muslims requested us to take up the renovation work," Prasanna Rai S, treasurer of the temple renovation committee, was quoted as saying by Times of India.
"Though we started with a zero balance, the villagers of Sarve found an ingenious way to bear the expenses and to ensure that donors were not unnecessarily burdened, Dedicated Whatsapp group were created to ask for donations, for instance, when it came to the construction of a well the cost would approximate Rs. 75,000, we called upon donors to sponsor single rings. For the ceiling the villagers pooled money one square foot at a time costing about Rs 1,000 each"- Prasanna told TOI
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| The 800-year-old Yelia Sri Vishnumurthy temple before (left) and after renovation |
“The temple renovation work began after a committee was formed for the same in 2019, following which Rs 2 crore was collected by splitting expenses and raising funds via WhatsApp” – he added.
Back in 2021, Abbas Majalugadde, his brother Majalugadde Abubacker Kooduraste and his nephew Puttu Beary, all village residents, offered a three-acre plot to be cultivated for one season. For several years Sarve village has been living in harmony.
In addition, thousands of people, throw back the religious beliefs volunteeered to work at the construction site for it's timely completion.
Prasanna recalled that the temple work began after the formation of a committee in 2019 and that they plan to develop the renovated Yelia Sri Vishnumurthy temple as a centre for culture.
"The entire village has been living in harmony for several years. We are part of the Uroos celebrations and Muslims are part of the temple festivities. We plan to develop this temple as a centre for culture," Rai said.
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