MADIKERI: A 650-year-old Shivalinga, along with traces of an ancient Mahadeva temple, have been found in the Aimangala forest. A Basava statue was also found near the Shivalinga.
Several remains found including sanctum sanctorum, theertha kunda, and traces of an ancient temple were found about 3-km from the Aimangala-Chembebellur road. Over time, puja at the temple had stopped and became part of the forest.
Villagers conducted tambula prashne to know temple history and it was revealed that it was earlier a Mahadeva temple and puja was being conducted by an aged archak’s family. Daily puja was stopped after the archak’s family settled elsewhere.
The villagers have vowed to rejuvenate temple as per a tantri’s instruction and plan to construct Shivalinga peetha, sanctum sanctorum, theertha kunda, kalyani along with devara nade, steps, pouli, theertha and bathing house.
The villagers have been advised to relocate the Shivalinga to the southeast direction and re-consecrate it. The villagers estimate that the rejuvenation of the temple may cost of about Rs 2 crore and plan to collect donations from villagers, associations and organisations.
Temple entry will be allowed for all without caste, language discrimination. In the first phase of rejuvenation, homa-havana and special puja will be conducted. The villagers have also resolved to restart puja rituals for the ancient temple.
