Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)

Udupi, Feb 22: Foundation stone laying ceremony of renovation work of Sri Mahalakshmi temple Ucchila and religious meeting programme was held on Sunday, February 22.

Sri Vishwapriyatheertha Swamiji of Adamaru Math laid the foundation stone and gave the blessing address. Raghavendra Tantri, Sri Mahalakshmi temple Ucchila, Raghavendra Upadhyaya, chief priest of the temple, Vaastu expert Vidwan Subramanya Bhat, trustee of Janardhana and Mahakali temples Ambalpady Dr Vijay Ballal were present.

Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel inaugurated the religious meeting programme. Addressing gathering, Kateel said, "Let the renovation work of the temple get completed within two years and Brahmakalashotsava be held and let this temple grow into a religious center. Let the renovation of Lakshmi temple get over in Udupi as the work of construction of Ram Mandir gets over at Ayodhya in 2022. Mogaveera community is the one which has upheld the honour of the Hindu society, whenever injustice was meted out. When I was RSS Pracharak, Mogaveera community looked after me as their own son. This center is not limited to Mogaveera community alone. Let this temple be the center of all Hindus and become a tourist spot in undivided district of Dakshina Kannada." He also assured of releasing Rs 10 crore for the renovation work of the temple, after discussing the same with state government.

Introductory speech was done by Nadoja G Shankar, honorary president of temple renovation committee. Speaking on the occasion, minister for Muzrai Kota Srinivas Poojary said, "Let this religious center become a holy place in the whole of Karnataka." He also promised to take up the matter of releasing Rs 10 crore for the temple renovation with the finance department of the state.

Poojary also sought the cooperation of the Mogaveera community to bring revolutionary changes in the fisheries department in the next two to three years.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje said, "When women get empowered, Women's day gets its true meaning. In order to get that honour women need to be educated and become financially stronger." Shobha also said that a plan is being worked out to develop coastal part of Karnataka in the next four to six years at a cost of Rs 4,500 crore.

Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, former ministers Pramod Madhwaraj, Vinay Kumar Sorake, president of administrative committee of Barkur Bennekudru Anand Kundar Kota, state president of Gangamathastha Maulali, president of building construction committee Hariyappa Kotian, president of Mumbai Mogaveera managing board K L Bangera, entrepreneur Sadhu Salian, president of Ucchila Mogaveera Hithasadhana Vedike Pushparaj Kotian, former president of Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Women's association Sarala Kanchan and officer bearers of renovation committee were present.