Amenities can be better at heritage temples

The city is home to many ancient temples. But despite the revenue generated by them, they lack basic amenities. Metrolife visited some of them.

Cave Temple
Gavipura

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, in Gavipura, near Kempegowda Nagar, is a cave temple dedicated to Shiva. It attracts thousands of devotees through the year. Although protected under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961, it is poorly maintained. It lacks basic amenities like toilets. There is no public toilet in sight either. Although drinking water is provided, the temple has no tourist guides or signboards and plaques to provide information about its history. Facilities for senior citizens were also lacking.

Bull Temple
Basavanagudi

Dedicated to Nandi, this temple is located next to Dodda Ganesha Temple. A major attraction for tourists, it has stairs and a well-maintained road that leads up to the shrine. Both temples are clean and hygienic. Adjacent to the temple is the Bugle Rock Garden, which also boasts good maintenance. There are two clean toilets, one on the main road adjacent to the temple and another inside the rock garden. There is a provision for drinking water inside the temple, but the upkeep leaves much to be desired. People who work in the
temple are friendly and help out visitors and tourists.

Kote Venkataramana Swamy Temple
City Market

This one has tour guides thanks to its proximity to the Tipu Sultan Palace. But they charge a lot, especially when they see foreigners. There are drinking water outlets and clean washrooms inside the temple premises.

On one of the walls is a small board in Kannada that tells of the grand history of the temple.“I have swept the floors of this temple every day for the last three decades and little has changed since. I watch people come and go, and during the peak season, there is a heavy rush of tourists,” says 85-year-old Muniyamma.

Someshwara Temple
Halasuru

Built in the 13th century, the temple provides drinking water and two toilets for tourists. Dustbins are placed all around the premises.

The temple does not have any tour guides. Renovation is on — the ‘gopura’ has recently been repainted in vibrant colours and the old compound walls are being replaced.