Yediyurappa lays stone for rebuilding of 800-year-old temples

Mysuru: Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for rebuilding of over 800-year-old Mallikarjunswamy and Bramaramba temples (built during the reign of Gangas) at a cost of Rs 16 crore (Rs 8 crore each), at Parvathi hills at Mudukthore near Talakadu in T Narsipura taluk in the district.

Mallikarjuna Swamy of Mudukthore is one of the 'pancha lingas' situated near Talakadu.

Later addressing the function, Mr Yediyurappa said, "Lord Shiva is situated in five forms at Talakadu and Mudukuthore. Talakadu was the capital of Gangas. Mudukuthore is popularly known as Abhinava Sri Shyla and it is a popular pilgrim destination with mythological and historical significance. This ancient temple is in a dilapidated condition. So we have taken up the task of rebuilding the two temples and others at a cost of Rs 30 crore. In the first phase, we have taken up works at a cost of Rs 16 crore to rebuild both temples. We have already released Rs 5 crore, and Rs 10 crore more will be given for the project in a week. The contractors should ensure that works of the temple are completed within two years and I would ensure that there is no fund constraint. And this would bring a lot of satisfaction, bliss and fulfillment for everyone who works unitedly for this. Mysuru district minister S T Somashekar must visit the place frequently and ensure that project is completed speedily. With the backdrop of the historical and mythological legacy of the temples, the architects must ensure that they become a land mark to be remembered for generations to come. We have released Rs 136 crore for the development of 136 temples in the State. Giving God's own money for God's works is our duty, so there should not be any constraint for the development of temples."

Suttur math seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamy ji who participated in the poojas, said, "Since river Cauvery takes turn here, this place is called Mudukthore (Murida-thore). It is said that in Mahabharatha during vanavaasa, Arjuna is said to have performed pooja to the Shiva Linga here, with Mallika flower, so it is said to have got its name Mallikarjuna Swamy. Sri Shivathreeshwara Bhagathvath Paadaru(of JSS math) ended the war between Gangas and Cholas and established peace between them. This Mallikarjuna swamy temple was built by those Gangas. It was developed by Vijayanagara kings, and famous ruler of Mysuru kingdom Mummudi Krishnaraja Wadiyar main entrance and built "muka mantapa" and enhanced the beauty of the temple. Not every one gets opportunity to take up certain works and it is a blessing that Mr Yediyurappa has got an opportunity to take up the development of this temple."

T Narsipur MLA Ashwin Kumar urged the CM to include Mudukthore, Somnathpura, Mugur of TNarispur taluk in tourism circuit. He said, "During the excavations taken up by Sri Dharmasthala Sri Kshethra, several archaeological remains dating back to 800 years were found. An archaeological museum should be set up at Talakadu to exhibit them so that some employment opportunities can be created," he said.

Endowment Minister Kota Srinivas Poojari urged people to contribute for development of temples. Deputy Chief Minister Govinda Karajola lauded the Chief Minister for handling single handedly like a "vonti salaga' the flood havoc last year which caused Rs 35,000 crore loss at a time when the cabinet was not formed. This year too the CM handled floods and the Covid pandemic with equal efficiency, he said.

Mr Somashekar, Mysuru deputy commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, Southern Range IGP Vipul Kumar and others were present.