• Source:JND
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Bengaluru News: The Halasuru Someshwara Swamy Temple, one of the city’s oldest heritage shrines, has confirmed that it no longer allows weddings on its premises. The decision drew attention after a man complained to the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office, alleging that the temple refused to conduct his marriage ceremony. When the CMO sought an explanation, the temple management stated that priests had repeatedly been asked to appear in court during divorce cases involving couples who married at the temple.

Priests Say They Were Frequently Pulled Into Legal Disputes

According to an Indian Express report, temple officials said they stopped performing weddings nearly six to seven years ago. V Govindaraju, the chief administrative officer of the temple committee, explained that several couples who married at the shrine later separated and courts often summoned priests to verify marriage details.

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He added that, “Many couples elope from home and produce fake documents to get married. After a few days, the parents of these couples turn up, and in some instances, court cases are filed.”

The temple, which falls under the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department, earlier conducted around 100–150 weddings. Officials said they halted the practice to avoid incidents that could damage the temple’s reputation.

Other Rituals Continue, Policy May Be Reviewed

Temple authorities clarified that while wedding ceremonies have been suspended, all other religious rituals and services remain unaffected. They said the policy could be reconsidered in future, but for now, no weddings will be held.

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Online Reactions 

The move sparked mixed reactions online. Many users expressed surprise that priests were summoned during divorce proceedings.

One user wrote, “Why would priests be called in a divorce case? Even if you are married in a temple, your marriage certificate is issued by a local governing body. We haven’t heard of this phenomenon anywhere else.”

Another commented, “It’s hardly a comedy show, but even priests are fed up with how fast marriages are collapsing under today’s divorce rate.”

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