Mangalore: Breaking the Hindu tradition, a large number of widows offered Lakshmi puja at Kudroli Gokarnanth Temple in the city on Thursday, to commemorate the festival of lights. Three women, who were earlier appointed as archaks (priests) in the temple led the puja.

“These women are denied opportunity to do pujas, according to the Hindu tradition, as they have lost their husbands. Adopting these revolutionary methods is to respect women. This is the message of Sri Narayana Guru”, said senior congress leader and temple chief B. Janardhana Poojary.

Earlier, the three women temple priests – Indhira, Shanthi and Chandravathi – were brought in silver chariot. They were accompanied by thousands of widows. Later, they were all allowed to offer poojas to Goddess Lakshmi and other deities. Mangalore City Corporation Mayor Mahabala Marla attended the event.

It’s not the first time these women have participated in the rituals here in the temple. Earlier, the temple appointed three women as archaks, among them two belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) community.