700-year-old Hoysala-era temple in Jigani in ruins

Bengakuru: The Hoysala dynasty's footprint in Bengaluru is vanishing, erased by years of neglect and unchecked vandalism.

The Varadaraja Swamy Temple in Jigani, over 700 years old and built during the reign of Hoysala King Veera Ballala III, stands in severe disrepair, hemmed in by filth and under threat from unchecked biological growth, in the midst of the city's industrial sprawl.

Rubbish clogs the temple grounds and sections of the intricate stonework have collapsed. The sanctum sanctorum stands empty and sealed, shrouded in cobwebs. Massive Peepal trees have burrowed through the superstructure, their roots splitting ancient stone and pushing the monument closer to ruin.

Commissioned by Purvadiraya, a Hoysala feudatory who also built the Champakadhama Swamy Temple near Bannerghatta, the temple's silent corridors echo with history.

Local historian HG Shashidara confirmed the monument’s significance. "It is not a surprise to hear of a Hoysala temple in Bengaluru. There are over 15 such temples constructed during the period of Veera Ballala III in the city and rural district. The temple’s historical significance is cemented by an existing Tamil inscription on its wall."

MC Venugopal, a long-time resident whose family lives near the site, lamented the loss of what was once the village’s cultural centre. "This place was where marriages and festivals were held. Even the high school operated out of this space for a time."

He pointed out that the complex stone blocks, which are incredibly difficult to replicate, have been "destroyed by someone greedy for money".

The temple sits within the bustling Jigani Industrial Area, surrounded by thousands of companies and ceaseless activity.

Shashidara believes that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives from even a few firms could easily fund conservation. "This monument exists in an unknown state. If companies or villagers pool a small amount, this temple can be restored," he said.

Dept promises action

Devaraju A, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said he would instruct the district officer to check the status and inspect the site immediately.

He also said that under the Samrakshana Yojane (Conservation Scheme), the department conducts surveys across the state to identify historically significant antiquities, including monuments, sculptures, inscriptions and hero stones, and categorises them as protected or unprotected. The key ones are documented and geo-coordinated.

The respective deputy directors of the district will send a report to the deputy commissioner and the state government. If approved, the site will be declared a state-protected monument, allowing for legal enclosures and greater protection.

"Currently, there are over 25,000 unprotected monuments across the state, and the government alone cannot manage them. That is why we brought in the adoption scheme, where an interested person or a corporate entity can adopt an unprotected monument for over five years. Through semi-commercialising it by charging an entry fee, they can look after it," the commissioner stated.

Tamil inscription

The remains include the sanctum and auspicious hall, silent witnesses to centuries past.

A 1307 CE Tamil inscription links the site to Hoysala-affiliated King Tribhuvanamalla Purvadi Raya.

The wall ingrained inscription at Varadaraja Swamy temple Jigani.

The entrance of the Varadaraja Swamy temple at Jigani.