The proposed restoration work of the 12th century Someshwara Temple in Ulsoor in the city, which envisages rebuilding portions of the monument as per a master plan based on vastu requirements, has irked Archaeology Department officials.
Though the temple falls under the administrative purview of the Muzrai Department, Archaeology Department officials say they should be consulted for their expertise before bringing any changes to the 800-year-old temple, believed to be one of the city's oldest.
Historical value
“Even though the Someshwara temple is not on the list of protected monuments, it needs to be preserved for its archaeological and artistic value,” an Archaeology Department official told The Hindu. “It is also puzzling as to why it has not been declared a protected monument as it has all the archaeological characteristics.” Any restoration work that would be taken up should adhere to the basic tenets of archaeology, the official added.
Some department officials visited the temple recently and offered suggestions. The department is contemplating raising the issue to bring it under the protected monuments list.
The temple, situated in the heart of Ulsoor, is an amalgam of Hoysala, Chola and Vijayanagar architectural styles, and additions were made during Kempe Gowda's regime.
The protected list
At present, the Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple, Kadu Malleshwara temple, Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple, Dodda Basavanna temple and four watch towers built by Kempe Gowda are declared protected monuments by the State Archaeology Department in Bangalore.
Master plan
So what is this master plan that has upset the Archaeology Department? It was drawn up by the Chief Architect of the Public Works Department in consultation with Shaiva Agama Pandit Ganapati Mahabala Shastry, sources in the Muzrai Department said. “Changes will be brought in the temple according to Agama Shastra.” The Archaeology Department was not consulted as the temple belongs to the Muzrai Department, the sources added.
According to sources, a uniform design will be brought for small mantapas inside the temple that are in line with the temple's architecture.
“These were later additions to the temple that don't gel with the architecture.” Besides, the prakara wall will be reconstructed, stones slabs relaid and shelter provided for devotees.
“The yaga shale and kitchen, which are not according to vastu, will also be rebuilt,” the sources said. The Public Works Department is in the process of drawing estimates, which will come to the Muzrai Department for administrative approval.
Temple Organising Committee president V. Govindraju confirmed that the Agama Pandit was consulted for restoring the shrine. He said vastu homas were conducted between November 1 and November 3. “The temple is being restored for public good,” he said.
