Belagavi: Kalyani Chalukya temples in Savadatti fight for survival due to poor maintenance
Belagavi: Temples built by the Kalyani Chalukyas in Hooli village of Savadatti taluk face threat of destruction, being in poor condition, covered by bushes and shrubs and also being encroached upon.
The structures were built in 11th and 12th centuries in Savadatti, which was once a seat of Shaivism. Considered a visual delight, the temples demand necessary measures of conservation to prevent destruction, Deccan Herald has reported.
While the buildings and other structures built during the rule of the dynasty carry huge potential for tourism, lack of publicity has prevented the outside world to learn about them.
The local residents have said that there are 101 temples and wells each in Hooli, but lack of maintenance by the concerned authorities has resulted in growth of weeds around the structures. They also stressed on encroachment proving dangerous for the temples and the wells.
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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken charge of the Panchalingeshwara temple, but not Bhavanishankara, Andhakeshwara, Kalameshwara, Madaneshwara, Tarakeshwara, Kashi Vishwanatha, Beeradeva, Suryanarayana and Hooli Sangameshwara Ajjanavaru temples. The monuments are yet to be added to the list of the State Archaeological Department too.
ASI Museums Director Smita Reddy reportedly admitted that the temples situated in Hooli were ancient and required to be conserved. She added that efforts were on to include temples other than the Panchalingeshwara Temple to the list of the State Archaeological Departmentin order to get them declared as protected monuments.
Stating that the tahsildar as well as the Savadatti and Hooli gram panchayats had been contacted to clear the temple premises of encroachments, Reddy added that the Department feared damage to the temples in Hooli by treasure hunters influenced by the recent finding of gold at Lakkundi in Gadag. She stressed that it was a myth and also people’s imagination that ancient temples had such hidden treasure under the idols.
Panchayat Development Officer of Hooli GP, Mahadevappa Kalli, said they undertake cleaning of weeds and bushes around the temples biannually in order to protect the structures.
He also said that the Panchayat had received a letter from the ASI on January 1 related to measures to clean the temple premises and added that it was decided at the local general body meeting in late January to clear the overgrowth on the premises.
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Defamatory post against Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade: Case registered against Girish Mattannavar
Belthangady: A case has been registered at Dharmasthala police station against Girish Mattannavar over a complaint regarding alleged defamatory posts on social media against Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
The complaint was filed by Subrahmanya Prasad, a resident of Dharmasthala.
The complainant stated that Mattannavar posted content on Instagram making allegations against Dr. Heggade and allegedly affecting his reputation.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is related to spreading false information, rumours, or alarming news, on April 18, and the investigation is in progress.
Following information about Mattannavar’s appearance at the SIT office on May 7, a police officer from Dharmasthala police station issued a notice directing him to appear at the station within a week.
