SPLENDOURS LOST TO TIME

Retired social science teacher restores ancient temples and inscriptions in Mandya district to conserve their rich history and culture for future generations

- BK LAKSHMIKANTHA @Mysuru

In an age when society is grappling with religious intolerance, 72-year-old retired government school teacher, Mohamed Kaleemulla, from Nagamangala taluk in Mandya district, is striving to protect temples, inscriptions and hero stones (veeragallu), all in the effort to create awareness about the region's architectural heritage.

Kaleemulla, who served as the social science teacher at a government high school near Basaralu village of Mandya taluk, had noticed the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple built in the 13th century by the Hoysalas. The small structure was a replica of the temples in Belur and Halebidu, and inspired Kaleemulla to explore and learn more about the temples of Nagamangala.

Besides, his interest in literature and culture motivated him to study deeper about his hometown's past.

During his quest, Kaleemulla came across the Channakeshava Swamy Temple in Dodda Jataka village (earlier Dodda Jattiga village - Place of Wrestlers), built by Emperor Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. History has it that the great ruler had two queens, Tirumala Devi and Chinna Devi, and he built the temple in memory of Chinna Devi.

"When I tried to enter the temple, a few women sitting nearby warned me that a dog had given birth to puppies in the premises, and could attack me. I was disappointed that a beautiful temple built by a famous ruler, in memory of his wife, now lay in a state of neglect. This temple is like the Taj Mahal that Shah Jahan dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal," Kaleemulla says.