Backpack of Potpourri: Venugopala Swamy Temple of Kannambadi

Monday, March 30, 2015

Venugopala Swamy Temple of Kannambadi

Main entrance to the temple

The Re-located Venugopala Swamy / Gopalakrishna Temple at the backwaters of KRS Dam near Hosa Kannambadi Village - is a very serene place at an excellent location.

The temple complex itself is yet to be finished; its not yet consecrated, probably waiting for some politician to do the honours. Nevertheless, it is a brilliant and commendable effort by Khoday's Foundation to embark upon this tedious and remarkable project - to shift the submerged temple from the KRS bed to the banks.The project started in 2002, when due to severe drought, the waters in the KRS dam receded to less than minimum levels, exposing the submerged temple. t was once believed that if the temple becomes visible, then it spells doom for the Mysore kingdom (and later Karnataka), naturally, as the water dries up and there will be drought!

Unfinished statues, empty crevices

Built in the Chalukyan Style, by the Hoysalas(?) in the 12th century, it remained in the waters for the past 74 years af
ter the KRS dam was constructed in 1930. The approach roads do not merit a mention, but it is worth the effort. Few shops have already come up in the neighbourhood selling all and sundry snacks. I wish they ban smoking and all other vices at this place as it is (going to be) a Temple and not a tourist spot!!

Wide prakara

Though not as perfect as the original (similar to temples at Somanathpur, Belur, Halebeedu, etc), it is a noteworthy monument; it is sad to see that newly made but cracked figurines are stuck in the crevices with metal-paste and what not; that said, elsewhere new replica stones seamlessly merge with the old stones.

It appears that the enormity of the effort started weighing on the benefactors and fine supervision is lacking. Work has mysteriously slowed down to a few labourers hanging around.

The temple must be sanctified immediately and restored fully before it begins to age!!