Pandavapura (Mandya): A 36-foot tall Ramanujacharya’s statue installed by the Yadugiri Yathiraja Mutt of Bengaluru, at Kerethonnuru as part of the Saint’s Sahasramanotsava (millenium) was unveiled near here recently.

Seer Yathiraja Jeeyar said, “Saint Ramanujacharya, who is from Tamil Nadu, stayed at Tondanuru village (now Thonnur) for 13 years, 950 years ago and strove for social and religious development. He played a major role in eradication of untouchability and the caste system and, constructed lakes and temples.”

Kerethonnuru is Ramanuja’s ‘karmabhoomi’ and is thus a sacred place. The Government should develop the village and a park should be developed near the statue, he said.

District in-Charge Minister M. Krishnappa said, “Kerethonnuru turned into a historical place after Ramanuja settled in the village and government has taken up necessary measures to develop the place.”

MP C.S. Puttaraju said, “Kerethonnuru should be developed into a model village.” MLAs K.S. Puttannaiah and N. Chaluvarayaswamy were present.