Mysore/Mysuru: MUDA Chairman Yashaswi Somashekar performed guddali puja for the renovation works of 110-year-old heritage building behind Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple on Thyagaraja Road in city on Monday in the presence of Corporator B.V. Manjunath and Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple Trust President B.S. Sridhara Raje Urs. A stone plaque was also unveiled.

Yashaswi Somashekar appreciated the efforts of the Trust to save the historic heritage building. “People must take up the responsibility to protect and develop the century old heritage Temples as they play a prominent role in our tradition and culture,” he said and assured that he would initiate action to cover the channel running alongside Temple complex to facilitate easy access to the Temple from Sayyaji Rao Road.

MLA S.A. Ramdas, who later joined the function, appealed the public for donations for renovation and also announced that he would give Rs. 10 lakh.

 In his presidential address, Sridhara Raje Urs thanked Ramdas for his donation and recalled his (Ramdas) donation of Rs. 50,000 from MLA fund earlier for Temple renovation.

“The Temple was built by Lakshmammanni, wife of Prince Subramanyaraje Urs, in memory of her late husband in the year 1913. A function hall will be constructed in the Temple premises and other works will be taken up later with the help of donors,” he added.

Sridhara Raje Urs, who celebrated his 81st birthday on Jan. 23, was felicitated on the occasion. He announced a donation of Rs.50,000 personally and Rs.30,000 by his wife Bharathi.

Sridhara Raj Urs also announced the formation of Karnataka Ursu Mahamandali Charitable Trust, extending the present Ursu Mahamandali to the whole of Karnataka.

MLC A.H. Vishwanath, Corporator B.V. Manjunath, retired Principal K.N. Jayadevaraje Urs, Ursu Sangha President Lingaraje Urs, Anveshana Trust President Dr. M.G.R. Urs and others were present. Y.M. Kiran Urs compered. Suma Urs rendered the invocation.