Vidyadas Baba takes charge as Anjanadri temple's chief priest
Following his petition to the
Supreme Court
challenging his dismissal and the temple's acquisition, the court issued a notice to the state govt on May 27, instructing him to continue conducting the temple's puja and karmic activities.
Upon his arrival at Anjanadri, Vidyadas addressed the gathered devotees, proclaiming that the truth was victorious. He said the temple premises will be kept clean, and religious activities, including Sanskrit Pathshala, Homa Havan and Hanuman Chalisa chanting, will be organised regularly.
Additionally, a special puja for Anjaneya will occur every Saturday, with free food provided to the devotees.
The dispute began in 2018 when the state govt attempted to place the Anjanadri Temple under the Muzrai department's control using the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1997. This action faced strong opposition from Vidyadas, whose family maintained the temple's religious practices for over 120 years following the Ramanandi tradition.
On May 27, the Supreme Court instructed the state govt to retain Vidyadas as chief priest, allowing him to continue his religious duties and reside in the Mandir room. This decision temporarily halted the govt's takeover plans and reinforced the High Court's 2023 interim order permitting his continued service.
The Supreme Court stated that interference with the Pandit's removal or religious practices would face serious consequences.
While acknowledging the Muzrai department's administrative role, it upheld Vidyadas and his family's right to conduct worship undisturbed, ensuring their accommodation and basic needs at the premises.
Before 2018, the Kishkinda Trust and Pandit family managed the mandir independently without govt involvement. The Koppal deputy commissioner's 2018 order transferred administrative control to the govt under the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1997.
The writ petition lodged by Vidyadas is awaiting resolution in the Karnataka high court. The order from the Supreme Court functions as a provisional directive, compelling compliance with the earlier orders of the high court and advising the state govt against any breaches.
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