Biddatanda family renovates temple prior to hockey tourney

Biddatanda family has renovated Mahadeva temple near Biddatanda Vade in Napoklu.

The temple is maintained by the family. There is Umameshwari Temple near to this temple. Chola king Raja Rajendra, while extending his territory, is said to have constructed this temple among a series of temples.

The temple had been in deplorable condition in the 17th century. It was in 1956 that Biddatanda Thimmaiah renovated the temple with the help of villagers. The temple is one of the attractions for those who visit the hockey festival, along with Talacauvery and Bhagamandala.

The family
The Biddatanda family is settled at Napoklu and Kolakeri. Most of the senior members of the family have an agrarian background. There is close affinity between Makki Shasthavu temple and Biddatanda Vade for generations. The family members take part in all the rituals in the temple.

Biddatanda Thimmaiah, who was responsible for starting a school and renovating the temple during his time, is a popular name in the family. As vice president of Muzrai Department, Thimmaiah had striven for the development of Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Irpu, Palooru and Omkareshwara temples, said family members.

Biddatanda family Pattedar Prof Biddatanda C Ponnappa had served as Napoklu PU College and Madikeri Field Marshal Cariappa College principal. After retirement, he served as Virajpet Kaveri College principal for five years. This year’s hockey tournament is being hosted under his presidenthood.