Udupi: The foundation stone for the Nagari Gopuram at the ancient Perdoor Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple was ceremoniously laid on Sunday, marking the beginning of a ₹7+ crore renovation project. This grand initiative is part of the temple’s first phase of restoration.

The event featured elaborate religious rituals, led by local Tantri Vidwan K.P. Kumaraguru Tantri, and performed in the divine presence of rotating priest P. Sudhakar Adiga. Muzarai and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy performed the foundation-laying and addressed the gathering.

In his speech, the Minister praised Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as spiritual heartlands of Karnataka, home to a significant portion of the state’s temples. He shared that:

  • Karnataka has 205 A-grade temples earning over ₹25 lakhs annually.

  • 193 B-grade temples earn between ₹5–25 lakhs.

  • Over 34,000 temples fall below ₹5 lakh income category.
    He emphasized that a third of the top-earning temples are concentrated in these two districts due to their well-disciplined and transparent management. He assured full support from the Muzarai Department for the Nagari Gopuram project.

    • Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple Management Committee President Pramod Rai Palaje presided over the ceremony. Tantri Vidwan Kumaraguru extended his blessings and congratulations.

    Notable dignitaries included:

    • Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty

  • Former Ministers Vinayakumar Sorake, Abhay Chandra Jain

  • Former MLA Lalaji R Mendon

  • MAHE Vice Chancellor Dr. H.S. Ballal

  • Adani Group Executive Director Kishore Alva

  • State Religious Council Member Mallika Pakkala

  • Scholars Subrahmanya Bhat Gundybailu, Raghuprasada Adiga

    • Committee members Rama Kulal, Santosh Kulal, Vikas Shetty, Ramdas Prabhu, and Lalitamba were also present. Rajkumar Doddamane delivered the welcome speech.