MADIKERI: The renovation works of Paadi Sri Igguthappa temple near Napoklu started on December 15 with traditional rituals. The deity of the temple is called the Rain god of Kodagu. The renovation work of the Garbha Gudi and surrounding wall will be conducted as per the directions of Vedic experts and astrologers.
The rituals and poojas for the renovation works were held under the guidance of Neeleshwara Padmanabha tantri and team. The carving of the stones and wooden works will be done by sculptor Muniyangala Prasad.
The renovation work will be supervised by Kodagu district Temple Fund Management Committee and the Bhaktha Jana Sangha of Kakkabbe with the contributions of the devotees from the district and out side.
The total project will be estimated at Rs 40 lakh and is expected to be completed within a year. The worship and poojas will be temporarily performed at the Balalaya till the renovation work is completed.
The Deputy Commissioner who took part in the pooja of the temple informed that a proposal for a grant of Rs 27 lakh has been sent to the Muzrai department.
He said that the district administration has to develop four temples namely, Paloor Sri Mahalingeshwara, Irppu Sri Rama temple, Sri Omkareshwara temple and Paadi Igguthappa Temple with the Rs 1.03 crore available in the temple fund.
The devotees brought to the notice of the district administration that out of 166 acres of temple land, more than 50 percent has been encroached. They said that the temples at Kunjila-Nalkeri Bhagavathi which related to Paadi temple were in a pathetic conditions. Few years back, money was collected by few people and nothing was done for renovation, they said.
The devotees also complained that Talacauvery should be preserved as a pilgrim centre and not as a tourist spot.
After the renovation of Padi temple is completed, Pudiyodi Amme and Bhadrakali temples will also be renovated.
The estimated cost of the renovation will be Rs 4 lakh, said BU Poovanna. The renovation work will be supervised by Bachamanda and Koleyanda families with the co-operation of devotees, he said.