Breaking Barriers: Gadag's One-of-a-Kind Temple Welcomes Muslim Priests in a Remarkable Display of Unity

In a heartening display of communal harmony, a Hanuman temple in Korikoppa village near Lakshmeshwar in Gadag district, Karnataka, has been witnessing Muslims performing priestly duties for the past 150 years. The villagers, regardless of their caste and creed, come together during the auspicious month of Sharavana to perform homa, havana, and bhajans at the temple. What sets this temple apart is the special right bestowed upon Muslims by their Hindu brothers to enter the sanctum sanctorum and conduct rituals, including puja, to the idol of Lord Hanuman. This unique practice has been upheld by the elders of Korikoppa village since the temple's inception, fostering brotherhood and communal harmony among the residents. The origins of this tradition can be traced back to the migration of the people from neighboring Konerikoppa and Kondikoppa villages due to the outbreak of plague and cholera. Despite the exodus, a few Muslim families from the nearby Putagoan Badni village continued to offer puja at the temple. Recognizing their dedication, the temple was renovated, and the responsibility of conducting pujas and rituals was handed over to the Muslim community, a practice that continues to this day. Visitors from surrounding villages and beyond, including Hindus and Jains, frequently visit the Korikoppa Hanuman temple, bearing testimony to the strong communal harmony prevalent in the area. The inclusive nature of this temple reflects the essence of unity and mutual respect among different faiths and serves as a shining example for the rest of the world. As the village residents eagerly await a historical study of Korikoppa's past, the temple stands as an evidence of the power of tolerance, acceptance, and shared devotion that transcends religious boundaries.