Hubli :
Deep within the suburbs of Unkal in the city lies a key relic of our rich architectural history — the Chandramouleshwar temple — forgotten by many and being usurped by the unscrupulous. The temple, which dates back to reign of the Badami Chalukyas in the 11-12th century, has been crying for attention for years now, but no concrete measures have been taken to protect the historical monument despite the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) designating it as a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act,1958.
Over the years, the land on which it stands has also been allegedly encroached upon by villagers.
Unkal was a border area between the Hoysala and Chalukya empires. The Chandramouleshwar temple, therefore, bears resemblance to both Hoysala and Chalukya styles of architecture. Its unique plus-shaped plinth sets it apart from other temples in the state, claim experts.
A facade of promises
The temple has about 4-5 acres of land around it, but most of it has allegedly been encroached upon by villagers. ASI had woken up to such encroachments five to six decades ago, had conducted a survey and planned a renovation of the temple. But, it then placed all plans on the back burner.
C B Marigoudra, a retired teacher and historian, recalls that the temple was declared a historical monument by ASI around 50 years ago. “But, no steps for development have been completed to date.”
Around five years ago, ASI again took a shot at reining in encroachments by constructing a wall around the site. But work on redevelopment came to a grinding halt a few years ago, alleges Marigoudra.
P S Parvati, a retired officer of information and broadcasting department, says the district administration had sent a proposal to the state government around two years on developing the temple, improving road connectivity to it and providing other facilities to visitors. That file has been gathering dust. “Citizens are forgetting the importance of the temple. Many people don’t known that such a historical monument is located right in our city. There is a need to renovate the temple and create awareness about its importance among the people,” suggests Parvati.
M S Koravi, a former corporator, says ASI had served notices to residents who had encroached upon the land a few years ago. But that zest fizzled out soon. “No action was taken by the department against the encroachers. If ASI wants to clear the encroachments, it should provide alternative rehabilitation to the residents. Only then should it develop the city’s only historical temple,” recommends Koravi.
J Ranganath, assistant superintending archaeologist engineer, ASI, Dharwad division, points at half-hearted measures taken: construction of a compound wall and a watchman to keep an eye on the temple. “The ASI division will soon get funds, with which we will take up renovation in two to three months. There is a technical problem with removing encroachments and that will looked into as well,” he claims.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hubli / TNN / August 07th, 2014