'Offerings by devotees to be used for MM HIll temple development'

The offerings by the devotees to the temple would be utilised for providing basic amenities at the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, said Cooperation and District In-charge Minister H S Mahadev Prasad.

Speaking after launching various development works at MM Hills on Thursday, the minister said that along with the increase in the number of devotees visiting the temple, money in the form of offerings has also increased at the temple. Following this, it was decided to utilise the offerings for the benefit of devotees.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had inaugurated the Male Mahadeshwara Authority and launched development works at a cost of Rs 37 crore. As many as 18 stalls were constructed at a cost of Rs 18 lakh with the fund. Tenders would be invited on September 9 and shops will be given for rent, he added.

A mega bath ghat has been constructed at a cost of Rs 99.60 lakh and Male Mahadeshwara Kalyana Mantap has been renovated at a cost of Rs 57 lakh. A drinking water unit had been inaugurated and the devotees can now use the facility of 20 litres of pure drinking water for Rs 5. Various works are in progress at the shrine, including a pond, park, glass house and a museum, he added.