JOIN USCM renews hopes on MM Hills Authority
Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Saturday renewed hopes on the long pending demand for constituting an exclusive authority for the development of Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar district.
The chief minister who was replying to a set of demands put forth by the working president of Male Mahadeshwara Jayantotsava Committee and former MLC D Madegowda at the jayanthi celebrations organised at Dasara exhibition grounds in the city, said that ‘he will take a decision soon.’
Continuing, the chief minister said by forming a dedicated authority including Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills and other shrines in the neighbourhood, more number of devotees could be attracted to the places of religious interest. He also replied in positive for a branch of folklore university at M M Hills, and a chair of Mahadeshwara at the University of Mysore and folkore varsity.
The chief minister promised to complete the survey of 47 acres of land at the shrine earmarked for the development of a park. The land will be handed over to the temple authorities. For the benefit of the devotees from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states, roads from Kollegal and Palar sides have been developed at the cost of Rs 12.85 crore from temple fund. Of the total Rs 24 crore earmarked for water supply to the hills from river Cauvery, the government has already sanctioned Rs 12.77 crore, the chief minister said.
A website of the shrine-www.mmhills.com was also dedicated.Suttur seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji, Adhichunchanagiri mutt seer Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji, Salur math seer Sri Guruswamy, medical education and district in-charge minister S A Ramdas, MLA H D Revanna, chairman of the committee and former MLA H Gangadharan and others were present.
Earlier in the day, a colurful cultural pageantry comprising veeragase, hulivesha, tableaux among others formed the procession from Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple at the north gate of Mysore palace to the venue. Mention must be made of a group of artistes who with their scintillating performance stole the show.
An artiste broke with ease a tender coconut kept on an empty bottle placed on co-artiste’s head. While the coconut broke into pieces, the bottle remained intact, so also the artiste balancing the same, to the applause of the viewers. Women beating drums and dancing in sync also made a difference.