Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has assured support from the Union government for infrastructure and integrated development at the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote, Mandya district, during her visit to the historic Vaishnava pilgrimage centre on Thursday.
Sitharaman visited the temple and offered prayers before hearing a request from Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah for special funding to improve infrastructure in the constituency. She said the Union government would provide the necessary cooperation for the overall development of Melukote, described in the report as an important Vaishnava site and the place associated with the work of Ramanujacharya.
The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India. Sitharaman asked the local representatives to submit a separate proposal containing the required details for the temple’s development. The report did not specify the amount of funding, the infrastructure works proposed or a timeline for sanction and execution.
Puttannaiah’s request was based on Melukote’s ancient history and religious importance. He sought the release of special grants for infrastructure development in the area. Any formal proposal will therefore need to set out the specific works and financial requirements before the Centre can consider further action, according to the details available in the report.
Sitharaman also visited a Sanskrit research institution in Melukote and the Manavalamamuni shrine, where Tirunakshatra Mahotsava programmes were being held. She arrived from Mysuru and received a traditional ceremonial welcome from the temple authorities.
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar, MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, tahsildar Shreyas, management committee president Parameshgowda and committee members were present during the visit. Following the temple visit, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K.R. Nandini felicitated the Union minister on behalf of the district administration and presented her with a souvenir of the Narayanaswamy idol.
The next formal step identified during the visit is the submission of a separate detailed request covering the proposed development of the temple and its surrounding facilities.
