KARWAR: The historical Sri Mahabaleshwara temple of Gokarna is now ISO 9001:2008 certified. The temple recently got International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certificate for the scope of administration and maintenance of the temple.
Quality management system certification company German Cert’s officials visited the Gokarna temple to evaluate the administration, cleanliness, accounts, safety and security measure, prasada (food) distribution system and other facts at the temple and gave the certificate in recognition of the administration and maintenance of the temple.
Prior to 2008, the temple was administered by the state government and was later brought under the Ramachandrapura mutt for administrative purposes. Under the administration of the mutt, Gokarna temple developed in various aspects including administration and providing security and safety to the devotees who come from across the country.
According to locals and devotees, a lot has changed at the temple in recent years. Speaking to Express, temple administrator G K Hegde said, “Officials from German Cert visited our temple about 4-5 times and enquired and audited various departments and the administration of the temple. Fire safety, security of devotees, cleanliness, food, accounts, gold, and other things were checked by them before granting the certification.”
“The ISO certification has enthused us to take up more development programs at the temple. Under the guidance of Sri Ramachandrapura mutt seer, we will chalk out plans for various works at the temple and Gokarna town,” he added.
The temple was in news last month when the state government proposed taking back administration of the temple. People, politicians, devotees and various organisations had opposed any such move.