Bengaluru: Sri Venugopal Swamy temple near Kere Tonnur village and opposite the Nambinarayana temple of Pandavapura Taluk in the Mandya district is for record sake an archaeological monument. But for a board and fencing of the area adjoining the age-old place of worship, the premise is a classic case of utter neglect and shambles!
Location of Krishna preaching Bhagavad Gita: The temple dates back to the Vijayanagar empire. According to the local legend, this was the venue where Lord Krishna dwelt Bhagavad Gita in detail to Arjuna. However, the pathetic way it has been maintained brings tears to the onlooker. These days, more than enough is being discussed on social networking sites about the glorious past and history of the country. Perhaps it is high time all such people involved in these debates find some time to visit this temple.
An abode for Ayyappa devotees: The temple premises were wearing a festive look and full of life, despite its dilapidated condition; thanks to the Ayyappa devotees. It becomes an abode to all Ayyappa devotees passing through and returning on this route.
Pillars used for drying lungis: The huge circular-shaped pillars outside the temple had transformed into ideal structures for drying up the lungis of the Ayyappa devotees. They also used the premises to rest, cook food for themselves, and serve the prasadam to the visitors and villagers.
No dearth of new temples: Paradoxically, these days you come across several brand new temples built with stone in many villages. A huge amount is collected as donations to build the same while the older ones in the same villages are devoid of any attention. Interestingly, the same villagers travel across the country to pay obeisance to any number of pilgrimage sites but have no time to have a glance at the neglected historical monuments.
Plants grow on the temple walls: The scenario at the Sri Venugopal Swamy temple, opposite the Nambinarayana temple of Pandavapura Taluk in the Mandya district, is very disturbing. Grass and weeds have covered the area adjoining the temple while plants and shrubs have adorned the temple structure. The rooftop also gives you a dismal sight.
Need for upkeep on an urgent basis: The deplorable condition calls for an urgent need to refurbish the structure at the earliest so that it remains an aesthetic monument for future generations to come.
-Manohar Yadavatti
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