CM promises Tirupati-like steps at Male Mahadeshwara Hills

Mysuru: The climb to the summit of the Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills is perhaps not a most enjoyable experience, given the rocky patches that one has to negotiate along the way. However, prayers for a staircase that could make the ascent a pleasant adventure were answered on Friday. Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who visited the temple on Friday, promised devotees that steps akin to those leading to the Tirumala Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh would be developed at the shrine.
Kumaraswamy, who inaugurated the Jenumalai Guest House built by the MM Hills Development Authority and guest houses constructed by JSS, said, “Devotees numbering in lakhs climb the steps to reach the temple. They have to walk nearly 16km to reach the shrine, and the steps are not in great condition. Suttur mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami has requested the state government to build steps that are more comfortable. Work on the new steps will start in two weeks. We will also build shelters and toilets along the stairs.”

CM Kumaraswamy who visited MM Hills in Chamarajanagar district inaugurated Jenumalai Guest House constructed by MM Hills Development Authority and Guest Houses constructed by JSS.

Kumaraswamy pointed out that the previous Siddaramaiah-led government had constituted the Male Mahadeshwara Temple Development Authority to develop the pilgrimage centre. “The previous regime had initiated various developmental projects here, and we will continue the good work. We will hold discussions with the authorities concerned about new projects,” said the CM.

Veerashaiva Mahasabha president Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, Suttur Mutt seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, Sri Adhichunchanagiri Mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami, Vatalu Mutt seer Siddalinga Shivacharya Swami and ministers SR Mahesh and CS Puttaraju were among those who were present at MM Hills, along with Kumaraswamy.