Mysuru: Tipu Sultan’s armoury in Srirangapatna, which was in the way of the second railway track that was laid between Bengaluru and Mysuru, was shifted to an alternative location, given the structure’s immense historical value. The successful relocation of the armoury was rightly dubbed a feat in engineering. Now, with the expansion of the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, which is being upgraded into a ten-lane road posing a threat to two temples, both of which are believed to be over 500 years old, the authorities concerned have decided to shift these shrines elsewhere.
The Gadde Ranganatha Swamy in Srirangapatna dates back to the days when the region was under the dominion of the Vijayanagara kings. Although not a popular tourist attraction, the 12 stone pillars holding this structure together, coupled with the unmistakable vestiges of the centuries gone by attest to its antiquity. The other shrine that is proving an obstacle to what will be the widened highway is the Mukhyaprana Anjaneya temple in Kalastavadi in Mysuru district, the construction of which is attributed to Sage Vyasatitha.
Admitting that the issue was sensitive, officials of the National Highways’ Authority of India (CHEW) said that the relocation of the Gadde Ranganathaswamy temple was nearly complete, while work on relocation of the temple at Kalastavadi would commence soon. Locals, meanwhile, remain concerned about the fate of these historical shrines.
Pratap Simha said that four guntas, to be purchased from a Kalastavadi resident, would serve as the new site of the Mukhrayappa Anjaneya temple. “Meanwhile, we have already identified ‘B’ kharab land, where the Gadde Ranganathaswamy temple will be shifted to. This site is also on the banks of the river. Currently, we have built a small shrine for the idol,” the MP said.
Priest at the Mukhrayappa Anjaneya temple Sudarshan Datta pointed out that its west-facing entrance made the shrine a unique structure. “We have not been informed about any alternative site for the temple. It may not be possible to ensure that its entrance will face the west at this new location. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, and may lose its charm if it is shifted. We are confident that the temple will remain in its original location, and the authorities will effect a diversion for the highway,” he said.
The Gadde Ranganatha Swamy in Srirangapatna dates back to the days when the region was under the dominion of the Vijayanagara kings. Although not a popular tourist attraction, the 12 stone pillars holding this structure together, coupled with the unmistakable vestiges of the centuries gone by attest to its antiquity. The other shrine that is proving an obstacle to what will be the widened highway is the Mukhyaprana Anjaneya temple in Kalastavadi in Mysuru district, the construction of which is attributed to Sage Vyasatitha.
Admitting that the issue was sensitive, officials of the National Highways’ Authority of India (CHEW) said that the relocation of the Gadde Ranganathaswamy temple was nearly complete, while work on relocation of the temple at Kalastavadi would commence soon. Locals, meanwhile, remain concerned about the fate of these historical shrines.
Pratap Simha said that four guntas, to be purchased from a Kalastavadi resident, would serve as the new site of the Mukhrayappa Anjaneya temple. “Meanwhile, we have already identified ‘B’ kharab land, where the Gadde Ranganathaswamy temple will be shifted to. This site is also on the banks of the river. Currently, we have built a small shrine for the idol,” the MP said.
Priest at the Mukhrayappa Anjaneya temple Sudarshan Datta pointed out that its west-facing entrance made the shrine a unique structure. “We have not been informed about any alternative site for the temple. It may not be possible to ensure that its entrance will face the west at this new location. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, and may lose its charm if it is shifted. We are confident that the temple will remain in its original location, and the authorities will effect a diversion for the highway,” he said.
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