Media Release
Udupi, Nov 26: A meeting was held at the Umamaheshwara Hall of Marpalli Sri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapati Temple, ahead of the temple’s renovation works. The meeting was presided over by Temple Management Committee president Dinesh Shetty Kambalamane.
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, addressing the gathering, assured that efforts would be made to secure a grant of Rs 25 lac from the Hindu Religious Institution and Charitable Endowment Department for the renovation of the temple.
He said that the committee has already submitted a request to the Hindu Religious Institution and Charitable Endowment Minister, who has expressed a positive response toward releasing the grant. He also stated that instructions would be given to prepare a plan through the Grama Panchayat for constructing a concrete road leading to the temple.
Vinay Kumar Sorake further assured that the required timber for renovation works, including the temple doors and roof structure, would be sought from the Forest Department through an official request. He emphasised that the renovation of the village temple should be a collective effort. “The unity of a village is truly reflected during a temple renovation. If villagers come together, undertaking the renovation work will not be difficult,” he added.
As an initial step, the meeting resolved to lay stone slabs around the temple prakara and inner premises at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lac.
Former administrative trustee of Chitpady Beedu Dr C G Ballal and Gopalakrishna Rao of Trisha Group addressed the gathering.
Management Committee secretary Lakshminarayana Rao presented the reports. Committee member Shekhar Suvarna delivered the welcome and introductory address. Umesh Marpalli, a member of the management committee, anchored the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.
Senior residents of the village, including Dr P G Rao and Madhusoodan Bhat, members of the Management Committee Panduranga Nayak, Shankar Acharya, Chandravati, as well as hereditary priests of the temple and others were present.