Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 31: The Dhwaja Stambha (flag post) of 1,200 years old Shirva Lord Mahalingeshwara Temple, believed to have been installed by sage Sharva, snapped on Wednesday July 30 noon. This has resulted in a loss about Rs 15 lac to the temple management.

This 61-feet-long flag post, made of 'Bogi' tree and installed in the year 1961 had been provided with a covering of copper sheet in 1988 during the Brahma Kalashotsava held in the temple. The Stambha snapped at about 12 noon on Wednesday, due to the tremendous pressure exerted by the heavy winds that blew from western direction. The upper half of the post got separated from the bottom half and fell on the tin sheet temple pandal, inflicting heavy damage to the beams that held the tin structure together.

Staff of the temple were inside when the incident occurred hence nobody was harmed. Villagers were gripped by a sense of apprehension as the incident was unexpected and some feel that it is not a good omen. Temple administrators, Tantries and religious leaders have visited the temple to take stock of the situation and making suitable arrangements.