Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Karnataka Stops Sparsha Pooja at Gokarna Mahaganapati Temple
In Gokarna, Karnataka, a very old tradition where people touch a special stone statue of Ganesha for blessings has been stopped.
The government decided this because the statue was getting damaged from so many people touching it over the years.
The statue is very old, from the 6th century, and is important for both religion and history.
People can still see the statue but can't touch it anymore.
Some people are sad because they loved this tradition, but others understand it's to keep the statue safe for the future.
The Department of Religious Endowments has prohibited devotees from touching the Mahaganapati idol at Gokarna's Shree Mahaganapati Temple.
The decision was made to preserve the ancient stone idol, which has shown signs of erosion from continuous physical contact.
Devotees can still have darshan but are no longer allowed to touch the idol or perform any form of worship involving physical contact.
The idol dates back to the 6th century AD and is considered one of Karnataka's oldest Ganesha sculptures.
The restriction has been enforced with immediate effect, and traditional rituals performed by temple priests will continue unchanged.
- Who
- Department of Religious Endowments, Devotees, Temple Authorities
- What
- Prohibition of Sparsha Pooja at Gokarna Mahaganapati Temple
- When
- Decision made three days ago, enforced immediately
- Where
- Gokarna, Karnataka, India
- Why
- To preserve the ancient stone idol from erosion caused by continuous physical contact
Preservationists
Traditionalists
Preservation of the Idol
Preservationists
The idol's preservation is crucial to maintain its historical and cultural significance.
Traditionalists
The tradition of Sparsha Pooja is an integral part of the temple's heritage and should be preserved.
Impact on Devotees
Preservationists
The restriction ensures the idol's longevity, allowing future generations to experience its spiritual significance.
Traditionalists
The restriction deprives devotees of a deeply cherished ritual, affecting their spiritual experience.
- Temple
- Shree Mahaganapati Temple, Gokarna
- Idol Age
- 6th century AD
- Decision Maker
- Department of Religious Endowments
- Date of Decision
- Three days ago (exact date not specified)
- Historical Significance
- One of Karnataka's oldest Ganesha sculptures
- Previous Attempt
- 2015 letter to stop Sparsha Pooja, not enforced