JOIN USAncient Halasuru temples in ruin; devotees blame trusts
Two ancient temples in Halasuru are in a dilapidated condition without much care, thanks to the respective temple managements.
The Someshwara and Subramanya Swamy temples, which date back to several centuries, are damaged in many places and are encroached by private properties. The managements are yet to step in and improve the condition.
"The ancient compound walls of the Someshwara temple are in ruins. They have not been reconstructed. The kalyani is filled with water from the drains and stinks. Many building works inside and outside the temple are left pending," said B R Chandran, activist and a member of the Halasuru Temples Seva Bhaktha Mandali.
Chandran regretted that daily rituals and cultural activities at the temple are altered and degraded, which has hurt people's religious sentiments.
"Private properties have encroached the temple premises by destroying the compound. We complained about this to the temple executive officer, but he turned a deaf ear. Idols in the temple are wrecked due to several reasons and need to be restored," Chandran said.
The condition in the Subramanya Swamy temple is no different. "A part of the temple premises was sold to the Bangalore Metro, but the area has now become a dumping ground and a place for illegal parking," said a devotee, adding that the temple also lacks drinking water and drainage facilities.
Exasperated activists and members of the Halasuru Temples Seva Bhaktha Mandali submitted a memorandum to the muzrai department officials, demanding to renovate the temples, remove illegal encroachment and complete pending repair works.
"We have directed the temple executive officer to stave off encroachments in the temples' premises. We have asked him to consider the devotees' demands and act accordingly. Action will be taken otherwise," said a muzrai department official, who was part of the meeting with the devotees.