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Hans India
13-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Village youth restore 14th century Venugopalaswamy Temple
Chamarajnagar: More than 50 youths of the village have given a new look to the Sri Venugopalaswamy temple in Haradanahalli village of the taluk, which has a historical background and dates back to the 14th century. The youth of the village, who have formed an association named Sri Vinayaka Bhakta Mandali, have taken up the task of renovating the temple under the association. Despite repeated requests to the concerned departments, including the Archaeological Department, to renovate the dilapidated temple, it was of no use. Therefore, the youths came together and took up the task. As the temple belongs to Muzrai Department, it falls under C Grade category and there are no funds provided from the government for its maintenance. So Madusudhan HN, police constable and a team of kids along with the help of the elders from the village have rejuvenated and protected the Venugopal Swamy temple which is more than 700 years old and has its own history. 'The entire temple is built of stones. Many religious programs were held in the temple, which attracts attention with its attractive art and architecture. As days passed, the temple started to fall into disrepair. Tall plants grew in the premises and became the abode of lizards, snakes and scorpions. The Muzrai and the Archaeological Department did not take up the cleanliness work. That is why we took up the renovation five years ago,' said one of the board members. 'The tuition programme took shape when Madhusudhan and a group of youngsters decided to restore an ancient temple and its kalyani (stepped tank) in their village. As the villagers supported their efforts, they took the initiative a step further and started free tuition classes to support students from government schools. We started keeping Ganesha idol in 2012 for Ganesh Chaturti, from that moment I decided to conduct classes for these kids. As i was into NCC and NSS, I always had the urge to serve public', says Madusudhan. Special Puja Special Pujas are held for Sankranti, Ugadi and Gokulashtami. There is a procedure to build a cradle on Vaikuntha Ekadashi and keep the festival idol from 6 am to 6 pm. It has been 9 years since our youth wing board came into existence. Every year we install Ganapati here. We organize pujas and programs,' he said. So far Rs 22 lakhs have been spent on the renovation of the temple. This has been financially supported by villagers and people from all communities. He says that many more development works need to be done. Since the temple premises are now clean, children are given free homework in the hall. Interested teachers and children come. 'Donors are providing tiles for the temple, stones for the floor, cement, etc. The renovation work is also being done with the help of their finances and the villagers. The government has removed the cement laid last year for a year. Therefore, whenever we get time, we get small works done by the board,' he said. 'The youth used to do Shramadaan for two hours from 6 in the morning. We used to work with them. As a result, the temple is beautiful today. Such work should be done in all villages,' says Mahadev of the village. 'There are many people in our team, including teachers, police officer, and self-employed people. Everyone takes responsibility and works,' said teacher R Chandru. Location details of temple The temple is located 6 km from the district headquarters. It is located near Haradanahalli on the Satyamangala Road. The sanctum sanctorum, Sukhanasi pillars and the installed walls, octagonal corners are attractive. There is a beautiful art painting of Lord Venkatesha inside. The wooden door of Sukhanasi has the name of Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar. The temple was expanded during his time. It is built with materials brought from Shaiva temples. The idol in the sanctum sanctorum is in the Hoysala style. It is said that a treasure was found in the area four years ago when Muslims were digging behind the temple. Since then, the Muzrai department has instructed that wedding programmes should not be held in this temple, according to the villagers. Dakshinabhimukha Anjaneya: There is a rare south-facing Abhaya Anjaneya temple outside the temple. More than 100 devotees come every Thursday and Saturday. Also, more devotees and tourists also visit on special puja days.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Allahabad High Court upholds lower court's order appointing Advocate Commissioner to survey Sambhal mosque
The Allahabad High Court on Monday (May 19, 2025) upheld a lower court's order appointing an Advocate Commissioner to survey the 'disputed' Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The mosque committee had approached the High Court challenging the survey, which was ordered under the suit filed by Hindu plaintiffs claiming the mosque had been built on the site by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing the Harihar temple, dedicated to Kalki, the last avatar of Lord Vishnu as per mythology. Last November, a civil court in Sambhal ordered a survey of the mosque by an Advocate Commissioner. Soon after, Ramesh Raghav, the designated officer, conducted a harried survey of the mosque. The survey was followed by communal violence in the town, leading to the death of four persons. The mosque committee, in its arguments, submitted that the dispute regarding the mosque had already been settled in the year 1877 and could not be adjudicated in the instant suit. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal observed that the lower had not committed any error, irregularity or illegality in allowing the survey. 'The argument set up by advocate SFA Naqvi that dispute in regard to Masjid already stood settled in 1877 and decree having been confirmed by this Court cannot be accepted at this stage in view of the fact that judgment of 1877 speaks of an old building, whereas in 1920 Juma Masjid was declared as a protected monument under the Act of 1904,' the court noted. The court added that if the title suit was decided in favour of the mosque committee in the year 1877, then, why had it entered into an agreement in the year 1927 subjecting the structure in dispute to the Act of 1904 as the alleged agreement does not reveal the ownership of the mosque committee and clearly noted that the structure needed to be protected in pursuance of the Act of 1904 by Archaeological Department. The court also noted this was not a case where any conversion of place of worship was taking place or any religious character of the place of worship was being changed and that the Hindu petitioners had only sought the right to access to a protected monument declared in the year 1920, under Section 18 of the Act of 1958. 'Once, it is an admitted position that the structure in question has been declared as a protected monument in 1920 and the same remained unchallenged till date, it is bound to be governed by provisions of law which existed when the notification was made and, thereafter, the laws enacted to govern such protected monument,' the court said. It added that once the revisionist himself has subjected to the Act of 1904 (Act to provide for the preservation of Ancient Monuments) and, thereafter, to 1958 (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act), he cannot take shelter of the Places of Worship Act of 1991 that aims to prevent the conversion of any place of worship and maintain the religious character as it was on August 15, 1947.
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Buddhavanam bedecked to welcome Miss World contestants
Hyderabad: The State government machinery has completed all the arrangements at Buddhavanam near Nagarjuna Sagar for the arrival of some contestants who have come to participate in the Miss World pageant being held in Hyderabad. The contestants from about 30 countries participating in the Miss World pageant will visit Buddhavanam located at the Nagarjuna Sagar project in Nalgonda district on Monday. First, they will leave Hyderabad and stop for a while at a guest house near Chintapalli in Nalgonda district. Then they reach Vijay Vihar. After a photo session there, they will reach Buddhavanam. On this occasion, about 24 Lambada artists will welcome them with a Lambada dance. After the welcome at the Maha Stupa, there will be a photo session. Necessary arrangements were being made for this. After entering the Stupa, representatives of the Archaeological Department would explain the details of the Stupa. After the world beauties meditate there, 25 Buddhist monks will perform Bailikuppa Maha Bodhi Puja here. Later, they will visit the Jataka Van. Archaeology and Tourism Representative Shivanagi Reddy will explain the importance of the Buddhavanam to the world beauties. After visiting the Jataka Van, they will watch a performance by 18 artistes on the life of Buddha. After dinner, they will return to Hyderabad.
United News of India
11-05-2025
- United News of India
Miss World 2025 contestants to experience Telangana's Buddhist heritage on Monday
Hyderabad, May 11 (UNI) The Telangana government has completed all necessary arrangements at Buddhavanam, a Buddhist heritage site near Nagarjunasagar, to welcome contestants from around 30 countries who are participating in the Miss World 2025 pageant currently being held in Hyderabad. As part of their cultural tour, the contestants will visit Buddhavanam, a renowned Buddhist heritage site located at the Nagarjunasagar project in Nalgonda district, on Monday. Their itinerary includes a brief stopover at a guest house near Chintapalli, followed by a visit to Vijay Vihar, where a photo session has been scheduled, an official statement said on Sunday. The participants will then proceed to Buddhavanam, where they will be greeted with a traditional Lambada dance performed by 24 local artistes. A photo session will be held at the Mahastupa, offering a scenic backdrop of the iconic structure. Upon entering the Great Stupa, officials from the Archaeological Department will provide insights into its historical and architectural significance. The contestants will also participate in a meditation session, followed by a Baillikuppa Maha Bodhi Puja performed by 25 Buddhist monks. The group will then visit the Jatakavanam, where Dr Shivanagi Reddy, noted representative of the Archaeology and Tourism Department, will explain the cultural and spiritual importance of the site. Their visit will conclude with a theatrical performance by 18 artists depicting key episodes from the life of the Buddha. After dinner, the Miss World contestants will return to Hyderabad, completing a meaningful cultural experience that highlights Telangana's Buddhist heritage. UNI VV RN
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
No forced changes at Panhala Fort: District collector
Kolhapur: District Collector Amol Yedge reassured the residents of Panhala Fort that the fort's nomination for Unesco World Heritage status will not lead to forced evictions or sudden regulatory changes. Addressing a public meeting held at the Panhala Municipal Council hall in Mayur Baug on Friday, Yedge clarified that no new laws would be imposed. The implementation will follow existing regulations of the Archaeological Department and will be done with the cooperation of the local people. This meeting was organised in response to concerns raised by fort residents, who had earlier boycotted a similar session at the District Collectorate, insisting the discussion be held at the fort. Responding positively, the administration had arranged the Friday meeting on-site. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo During the meeting, locals raised several doubts about the implications of the Unesco nomination. Questions included whether water supply tanks and telecom towers would be removed, if houses and shops within 100 metres would be cleared, and whether government offices and businesses would be relocated. District Collector Yedge addressed each concern, firmly stating that existing archaeological rules will remain unchanged, and no settlements or offices will be displaced. Regarding telecom towers and water tanks, he acknowledged the observations made by a Unesco advisory member and said that the administration is exploring suitable alternatives. Any decisions will be made with full transparency and public involvement. He urged citizens not to believe in rumours and assured them that their interests would be protected throughout the process. Other key officials present during the meeting included Sub-Divisional Officer Sameer Shingte, Archaeological Conservation Assistant Babasaheb Jangle, Tehsildar Madhavi Shinde-Jadhav, Group Development Officer Sonali Madkar, former Mayor Asif Mokashi and Panhala Municipal Council Chief Officer Chetan Kumar Mali. The meeting saw active participation from local leaders and a large number of residents. Kolhapur: District Collector Amol Yedge reassured the residents of Panhala Fort that the fort's nomination for Unesco World Heritage status will not lead to forced evictions or sudden regulatory changes. Addressing a public meeting held at the Panhala Municipal Council hall in Mayur Baug on Friday, Yedge clarified that no new laws would be imposed. The implementation will follow existing regulations of the Archaeological Department and will be done with the cooperation of the local people. This meeting was organised in response to concerns raised by fort residents, who had earlier boycotted a similar session at the District Collectorate, insisting the discussion be held at the fort. Responding positively, the administration had arranged the Friday meeting on-site. During the meeting, locals raised several doubts about the implications of the Unesco nomination. Questions included whether water supply tanks and telecom towers would be removed, if houses and shops within 100 metres would be cleared, and whether government offices and businesses would be relocated. District Collector Yedge addressed each concern, firmly stating that existing archaeological rules will remain unchanged, and no settlements or offices will be displaced. Regarding telecom towers and water tanks, he acknowledged the observations made by a Unesco advisory member and said that the administration is exploring suitable alternatives. Any decisions will be made with full transparency and public involvement. He urged citizens not to believe in rumours and assured them that their interests would be protected throughout the process. Other key officials present during the meeting included Sub-Divisional Officer Sameer Shingte, Archaeological Conservation Assistant Babasaheb Jangle, Tehsildar Madhavi Shinde-Jadhav, Group Development Officer Sonali Madkar, former Mayor Asif Mokashi and Panhala Municipal Council Chief Officer Chetan Kumar Mali. The meeting saw active participation from local leaders and a large number of residents.
