Belanje temple awaits facelift

According to a inscription, the temple was built after the king of Barkur won a battle, one thousand years ago. On the request of queen, the temple was built. The tank was also built during the same period. Unfortunately, the tank is in a neglected condition as desilting has not been undertaken. The temple was renovated in 1985. However, the pond was not developed. Owing to the negligence of the pond, one has to depend on a tank which is three kilometres away from the temple for ‘Avabritha snana’ during fairs.

Now devotees, Belanje Family Association Trust and various voluntary associations have come forward to develop the pond. It has been decided to develop the pond under the direction of Kucchuru Gram Panchayat former president Belanje Ramananda Hegde and Managing Trustee Dr Manjappa Hegde. The entire renovation of the pond will cost Rs 25 lakh. ‘Ashwathakatte’ and ‘devara gudi’ on the banks of the pond will also be constructed.
The number of devotees visiting the temple have increased over the years, says Trustee Belanje Ramananda Hegde.