Mangaluru: The worship of demi-gods is an integral part of Tuluva culture. On the lines of priests who perform the religious functions at the temple, there are Gurikaaras (ones doing the daily duties at the Daivasthanas) and the ‘Pathris’ (impersonators) at the Daivasthanas, or the places where the demi-gods are worshiped.

These Gurikaaras, in specific are required to make several alterations in their life once they take up the responsibilities and one of the main alterations is to confine themselves to only performing duties at the Daivasthanas.

While this set up worked in the age-old system, in modern days, most Gurikaaras find it difficult make their both ends meet with no means of income.

However, keeping forth this and many other problems faced by the Gurikaaras and the Pathris, the representatives from as many as 500 Daivasthanas that come under the purview of the Department of Religious Endowment and Muzrai urged Minister Manohar Tahshildar to release monthly allowance to the Gurikaaras and the Pathris.

Meeting the Minister on Sunday in Mangaluru, the delegations said that the Giurikaaras have been performing their duties with devotion and dedication despite the fact that they get no returns.

“The rigidity of the system has left them in lurch,” they said.

The Minister has promised to look into the matter and do the needful.