Roof of Madhukeshwar temple in Banavasi leaking

 The Archaeology department, in an effort to stop the seeping of rainwater, has covered the terrace of the temple with polythene sheets. However, these measures have failed to check the water leakage.

The entire premises of the temple has become wet with rainwater leaking everywhere. Water has been dripping through the chinks of pillars in Sankalpa Mantapa, Nrutya Mantapa, Triloka Mantapa of Madhukeshwar temple. The temples in the vicinity like Veerabhadra and Ganapati temples are also facing similar problems.

Water is trickling down the 52 stone pillars of Nrutya Mantapa, and 21 pillars in the Sankalpa Mantapa. The Madhukeshwar temple has a history of around 1,500 years.

Important destination

Being recognised as one of the important destinations of national tourism, the temple was repaired in the 1970’s, by the Archeological department. But after several years, rainwater has begun seeping again, said temple trust president T G Nadiger. The Archeological department had initiated the repair works of the temple before commencement of monsoon. But the work was stopped due to incessant rains. Hence the leakage has increased this year, when  compared to the previous years, he added.

When contacted, temple conservation assistant Subrahmanya told Deccan Herald that he has no authority to talk on the matter, but said that the work was under progress and it would be completed once rains stopped.