The 1,000 odd year old Suttur Mutt in Nanjangud taluk in the district, which was in the process being rebuilt, retaining its heritage structure, will be dedicated on August 11 at 10.30 am. A melange of events including both religious to cultural have been organised to mark the occasion.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, former MLA H Gangadharan said that the building of the Mutt dated back to the Chola ruler Rajaraja of the first century. Cholas had plans to wage a war against Gangas the rulers of Talkad. The soliders had even camped at Hosakote (near Suttur). It was at that time, the then seer of the Mutt Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi brokered a truce between the two rulers, thus putting an end to sanguinary. As a token of gratitude the Chola king built the Mutt, thus helping the seer establish a peeth.
The Mutt that had seen timely renovation, achieved religious significance during the period of 11th seer Sri Ghanalinga Shivayogi. The seer, also the contemporary of Yediyur Siddalingeshwara travelled widely, creating religious and social awareness among the masses. The 22nd pontiff Sri Shivarathreeshwara, popularly known as ‘Mantra Maharshi’ laid the foundation for comprehensive development of the Mutt, he said.
Link
Gangadharan said that of several mantaps built in the mantap earlier, only one remained, still being the link between the past and the present.
Deputy secretary of JSS Mahavidyapeetha Manjunath said that works on rebuilding the Mutt was launched three years ago.
An estimated Rs 3.5 crore has been spent including the donations from philanthropists. The built area remains the same at 22,500 sq ft (with ground and first floor). A total of 24 pillars built on the lines of Vikasa Soudha supports the structure. A sandalwood coated door has been installed on the second hall, where the idol of Mahadeshwara, grind stone used by Mahadeshwara and another utsava murthy of Adi Jagadguru will be installed later. The murals, embossed structures and other artistic works form the other attractions.
As many as 80,000 devotees including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and over 500 religious heads, ministers, legislators among several other dignitaries are expected to participate in the programme. KSRTC authorities have been requested to ply additional fleet of buses from Mysore, Nanjangud and T Narsipura taluks to facilitate the devotees, Manjunath added.