Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the Varadaraja Perumal temple at Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu on January 9, 2025.

Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said that the homa at a Tamil Nadu temple was for his own protection and peace of mind.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at Lord Venkateshwara temple in Malleswaram in Bengaluru on January 10, on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadasi, he said, “I am a person who offers pooja daily and conducts homa regularly. I got this homa done for my own peace of mind and protection.” He was replying to a question on the homa he got done at a Tamil Nadu temple.

“I strongly believe in the almighty. I follow rituals, and there is nothing special about it. I don’t leave my home without offering prayers to God. It is natural to have devotion and love for the force I have so much faith in,” he said.

Asked about Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s allegation that the homa was to destroy his enemies, he said, “I pray to God every day for good tidings. I also pray to God to protect me from those who wish me ill. There is nothing secretive about it.”

“You (media) also keep giving me quite a bit of trouble. I also prayed for protection from the media,” he quipped.

Greeting the people of Karnataka on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadashi, he said, “I pray to God for prosperity for all. Dharma protects those who protect it. May God bless everyone.”