Mysore, Apr 6: The reservoirs in the state are not full due to scanty rains in the state last monsoons. Already enough water from Cauvery river has flown to Tamil Nadu as per Supreme Court orders further depleting water in reservoirs and dams in peak summer of this year. The draught is imminent in many districts across Karnataka. The temples and idols that once submerged in deep water are now clearly visible owing to receded reservoir bed.
The two temples that are located in Beechanahalli in H D Kote near here which were submerged in the backwaters of Kabana dam are standing as gothic structures above on the ground. Among them Mankalamma and Bhavanishankar temple are the significant ones. The temple was built for the patron goddess Mankalammadevi at Kittoor. It’s the temple which was dedicated for sister goddesses. A seven-headed cobra structure of crown seat lies in deplored condition. A new temple has been built nearby the dam at Basapur.
Bhavanishankar temple:
If one goes a little further from Mankalamma temple, one finds Bhavani Shankar temple that was renowned as Kirtipur in the past. It was built during the reign of royals. The dilapidated structures of Eshwaralinga, Basava, Shrungi and Naga were found on dam bed. ‘The idols are desecrated since they were submerged and not fit for worship,’ said Ravirameshwar Temple Priest Bhaskar who lives nearby. Kittoor dynasty has its own historical significance since it was the most prosperous kingdom of erstwhile greater India. History reveals that it was ruled later by Mysore royals.
