MYSURU: Once again, controversy has erupted over the plans of authorities to demolish religious institutions.
In November, the demolition of Mahadevamma temple in Huchchagani village in Nanjangud taluk had led to a public uproar. Now, villagers in Kalastavadi allege that the Mukhyaprana Anjaneya temple, which has a history of over 500 years, is being eyed for demolition for the widening of Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway. Claiming that even Mysuru Maharajas worshiped at the temple, the villagers are demanding that it be conserved by diverting the road.
The temple, located 11km from Mysuru city, is one of the 732 temples constructed by Sage Vyasatitha in south India, according to villagers. It is the only temple that has an entrance from the west, in the surroundings. Besides Mukhyaprana Hanumantha, lord Ranganatha, lord Basaveshwara and Navagrahas are offered puja at the temple.
“In 2004-05, while upgrading the Mysuru-Bengaluru expressway into four-lane road, the temple was protected by diverting the road. “Even though works of the ten-lane road was started five years ago, no notice has been issued. But we are worried that the temple may be demolished soon. The compound wall of the temple is already damaged and the banni tree is destroyed,” they alleged.
“We are seeking the government intervention to save the temple which is emotionally connected to the villagers,” they urged.
When contacted, deputy commissioner Bagadi Gautham said that he has tasked endowment tahsildar to study the documents and submit a report on the matter.
In November, the demolition of Mahadevamma temple in Huchchagani village in Nanjangud taluk had led to a public uproar. Now, villagers in Kalastavadi allege that the Mukhyaprana Anjaneya temple, which has a history of over 500 years, is being eyed for demolition for the widening of Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway. Claiming that even Mysuru Maharajas worshiped at the temple, the villagers are demanding that it be conserved by diverting the road.
The temple, located 11km from Mysuru city, is one of the 732 temples constructed by Sage Vyasatitha in south India, according to villagers. It is the only temple that has an entrance from the west, in the surroundings. Besides Mukhyaprana Hanumantha, lord Ranganatha, lord Basaveshwara and Navagrahas are offered puja at the temple.
“In 2004-05, while upgrading the Mysuru-Bengaluru expressway into four-lane road, the temple was protected by diverting the road. “Even though works of the ten-lane road was started five years ago, no notice has been issued. But we are worried that the temple may be demolished soon. The compound wall of the temple is already damaged and the banni tree is destroyed,” they alleged.
“We are seeking the government intervention to save the temple which is emotionally connected to the villagers,” they urged.
When contacted, deputy commissioner Bagadi Gautham said that he has tasked endowment tahsildar to study the documents and submit a report on the matter.
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