The Support
While erstwhile Hoysala temples had royal patronage, this one, intended to be a people’s temple, would now have to be funded by the people. With a budget exceeding Rs 300 crore, going public was only natural.
The temple now stands on a rock base, with nothing for over 20 kilometers, except for distant hill ranges. The sankalpa pooja for the temple had been conducted in February even before the duo met Prof. Hardy. Afterward, Mr. Reddy’s cousin suggested an elevated plot that was ideal for the temple. “The plot changed in February, we met Hardy in March, and so we thought, why not make it truly grand?” muses Mr. Reddy, adding that this was when they decided to go public.
The desire to involve everyone in this megaproject led them to go public. “Since everyone in Karnataka has pride and respect for Hoysala architecture and our heritage, we thought of including everyone in this venture,” he explains.
This reminded him of the example of “Vallabhbhai Patel, who collected one rupee from everyone to build the Somanath temple,” he reminisces. Adding that his memories of sending one brick with Rs 16 to Ayodhya also reminded him that there was definitely a way to raise funds from the public. So, why not replicate the same in the south? Why not approach the RSS, the VHP, and include everyone in this venture—everyone who takes pride in our cultural heritage?”
After six months of waiting, the team finally got back to Prof. Hardy, who began drawing for the temple. Year five saw the team complete the first drawings and form a committee. Earlier, a small trust had been formed with the members of the Reddy family and other village people. The scale of the project was now booming. The TTD came on board as the ritualistic advisors.
Political and governmental support came in whenever needed. When the drawings arrived, B.S. Yediyurpappa, the chief minister, was in charge. They managed to reach out to him, and he was astounded by the drawings. He expressed his dismay that a foreigner could create such drawings and demanded that they be completed. He offered any necessary government support. Mr. Reddy explains that when Mr. Sadanand Gowda was the chief minister, the support was unconditional. He even agreed to preside over the shilanyasa program, which he couldn’t attend due to other commitments. However, VHP’s Ashok Singhal took his place, and they all presided over the entire process. At that moment, Mr. Singhal said, “Don’t worry, we have 4 crore VHP volunteers. Even if each of us contributes Rs. 100, Rs. 400 crore is not an issue. Go ahead.” He gave me the courage and the push I needed.
When the mayor returned home, he announced the foundation’s need for over 6000 stones. Everyone thought it would be wonderful if they could contribute stones. Mr. Reddy’s sister sang the stone-rolling song, and within the family, they ended up contributing 50 stones. However, since the need was for 6000 stones, they decided to offer the opportunity to everyone. Anyone who wants to contribute a stone to this magnificent temple can do so for a mere Rs. 15000.
All those who contributed stones were given the chance to spend a day at the plot conducting rituals for the offering. “Most people who contributed were thrilled to have one stone in this colossal temple. Considering the amount we spend today, it’s not a significant amount. There were people who were tears in their eyes,” explains Mr. Reddy. And that’s how the foundation of the main temple was completed.
Everyone in the village contributed to the project. The oldest lady of the village, who could barely walk, was the first person to donate Rs 101 when the project began. She walked with the donation in her hand early in the morning and gave it—that’s the sentiment. Ms. Sharma emphasizes that there are people like that who believe in the project and will not only see it through but also ensure its continued care. Community involvement is what makes the difference, she says.
The trust has plans to expand this project beyond the village. They intend to collect Rs 108 from every house by going door-to-door. A vehicle transformed into a tableau resembling a Hoyasala temple will visit every village in every taluk, inviting people to contribute to the construction of this temple. The trust also plans to set up booths at each taluk level to coordinate this effort. As a token of appreciation for contributions, a painting of Kalayana Venkateshwara created by BKS Verma for this purpose is being transformed into a card. A prototype design is being developed, and various payment gateways are being considered.
Mr. Reddy, the driving force behind these colossal plans, explains that the rath will take off from Mulabagilu, and one village will be visited each day, encouraging people from all over the country to contribute.
In this way, the stage is set for history to repeat itself or, rather, be reinstated. The project’s objective is not to construct another temple or a religious place of worship alone, but to foster a revival of culture. Ms. Sharma muses that the intention is far nobler. The plan is to recreate the temple as a resource center, as it was originally intended. On the premises, centers of learning for art, culture, music, and dance will be established, where young talent can be trained in a traditional manner. Additionally, the rangamantapa in front of the temple will serve as a platform for performing arts, providing a space for trained artists to showcase their talents. The ultimate goal is to involve the community and achieve a revival of sorts.
That we haven't done what we ideally should have for the upkeep of our cultural heritage worries Mr Reddy. “ The government has put few institutions in place, gives an award or two maybe, but where their skill can be really utilised, we haven't done what we should, which is why this effort; to try and do what the government hasn't done for these arts and skills. In Karnataka especially, we have done the minimum. Which is why this temple will also serve as a centre of excellence,” says Reddy, envisioning the plans in the pipeline.
“It's a research and development project. We are documenting everything so that anyone who in the future wants to build a Hoysala temple, this is a readymade resource,”says Ms Sharma, whose excitement is evident as she says, “this is one-of-a-kind project for us too, as no matter how many projects we design, we will never be creating another Hoysala temple in our lifetime”.
The project is estimated to take over a decade, with the main temple prescribed to be completed in nine years. Its shilavapana programme, or the consecration of the first stone of the main temple, was recently held (2017 June 14).
The first piece of sculpted stone was also unveiled, which is part of the gajatala or the elephant base. Sculpted by sculptors from Karkala, it was then ferried to the site where the Maharaja of Mysore Yaduveer Krishnadaa Chamaraja Wadiyar consecrated the Upapitha, with the Gaja Tala, in an elaborate ceremony on 14 June 2017.
