Reconstructed Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Devaragudde-Moodubelle gets ready for Brahamkalashotsav

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 17 Apr 2024: The completely reconstructed Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Devaragudde-Moodubelle is all set to commence the consecration (Brahmakalashotsava) rituals from Thursday, 18 April 2024 and culminating with the annual festivities of the temple on Monday, 29 April 2024. The Brahmakalashotsava of Shri Mahalingeshwara will take place on Wednesday 24 April 2024 followed by the great community meal.

 

The Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Devaragudde-Moodubelle has a history of over 1000 years. Though the origin of the temple is unknown due to lack of documents, it has been commonly believed that the temple existed since over a thousand years. The small hillock where the tample is situated was originally known as ‘Mullugudde’(Hill of Thorny Shrubs) which later came to be called ‘Devaragudde’ (God’s Hill).

 

Two ancestral households, Belle Melmane and Belle Kelamane were the hereditary trustees of this temple. Presently it is administered by a Managing Committee appointed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. At present Vasantha Shetty of Belle Melmane and Dr Ram Ratan Rai of Belle Kelamaane are the hereditary trustees and Dr. H. Bhaskar Shetty is the Managing Trustee, Udaya Shetty of Belle Melmane is a member of the Managing Committee. During the long history of the temple, Shri Sooryanarayana Shrine (Shrine of Sun God) was added within the temple complex  at the behest of one of the elder members of the Belle Melmane. Later on, a shrine dedicated to Shri Ganesh was also included within the temple complex on the initiative of the Saralaya Family of Kanaradi. The poojas in the temple are carried on according to the Vedic rituals by the hereditary priests of the temple. The old temple was renovated nearly fifty years ago and Brahmakumbabhishekam was held at that time.

 

 

As the temple was getting gradually dilapidated, it was decided to reconstruct the entire temple complex. A committee was formed to undertake this gigantic task. The Committee comprised of Dr. H. Bhaskar Shetty-Presdient, Belle Melmane Udaya Shetty-Vice President, Vinay Shetty Palemar-Presdient Mumbaii Committee, Rajendra Shetty-Secretary, Belle Nagraj Kamath-Joint Secretary, Ranjan Shetty Belle Padumane-Joint Secretary, Chandrakant Rao-Treasurer, Ramamoorthy Hebbar-Pavitrapani, Belle Niranjan Rao, Kishore Shetty Belle Melmane Dr. Prakash Chandra Shetty Belle Kelamane-Coordinators Mumbai Committee.

 

The reconstruction work of the Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple commenced from 23 March 2023 under the supervision of Shilpi Narayana Mestry. Granite stones from Karkala have been used for the temple structure including the pillars. While the rectangular roof is made of wood beams and tiles the Garbaghudi and Theertha Mandapa have copper sheet roofs. The shrines dedicated to Shri Sooyranarayan and Shri Ganesh are included within the temple complex. Construction of kitchen and dining complex is in progress towards the Westside of the temple. There are two small structures towards the southern front side of the temple, one dedicated to Dhoomavati Daiva and the other Vasantha Mandapa. The old temple flag post (Dhwajasthambha) is relocated in front of the temple.

 

The total cost of the reconstruction of the Shri mahalingeshwara Temple complex is estimated at Rupees Seven Crores.