Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, May 17: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and intense lightning lashed several parts of Bantwal taluk on Saturday afternoon, leaving a trail of damage across two prominent temples and two residential houses.

At Illiyuru in Mani Nalkur village, lightning struck the Sri Mahavishnu Temple, causing extensive damage estimated at around Rs 1 crore. The incident occurred on Saturday evening amid severe thunderstorm activity.

Around 4:30 pm, the region was hit by torrential rain, gusty winds, and repeated lightning strikes. The impact of the strike caused stone slabs above the sanctum sanctorum precincts to shatter and crash to the ground. As the temple priest was outside the premises at the time, no casualties were reported.

Damage to newly renovated temple

The temple had been renovated just four years ago and had also recently undergone a Brahmakalashotsava. The lightning strike severely damaged the sanctum sanctorum, necessitating major restoration work. Temple trustees and local residents gathered in large numbers at the site, and the local revenue department has been informed.

Karinja temple struck

In another incident, the Sri Karingeshwara Temple at Karinja in Kavalamoodur village was also struck by lightning on Saturday. The temple, located atop a massive rock formation, is believed to have been hit around 5 pm. Fortunately, as no one was present at the time, no injuries were reported.

The lightning is believed to have struck the gopuram above the sanctum sanctorum, with the exact extent of the damage yet to be assessed. The matter has been reported to the revenue department, stated management committee president Veerendra B Amin.

Houses damaged, trees uprooted

The taluk has been witnessing intermittent rainfall for the past two days. On Saturday, cloudy conditions persisted throughout the day before the rain intensified in the afternoon.

In a separate incident, lightning struck the house of Kavitha Sesappa Poojary at Madhwa Barkatte in Kavalapaduru village, causing partial damage but no casualties. Another house belonging to Annu Poojary in Kadeshivalaya village was also damaged due to lightning.

Meanwhile, in Peraje village, a huge jackfruit tree fell on the tiled house of a resident named Lalitha at Konkanapadavu, causing partial damage. Revenue department officials have confirmed the incidents and are currently assessing the overall extent of the losses across the taluk.