Melukote: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Centre will extend necessary help for development of the temple town of Melukote, the ‘Karmabhumi’ of Saint Philosopher Ramanujacharya.

Speaking to presspersons after visiting the famed Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple at Melukote in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district last evening, she said she was feeling a sense of gratitude after visiting the temple. Reiterating that all help will be extended, she asked the temple authorities to submit a memorandum containing details of development to be done.

Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, who was present, appealed the Union Minister to release special funds for the shrine’s infrastructure development.

Nirmala Sitharaman, who arrived in Melukote from Mysuru, was accorded a traditional Poorna Kumbha welcome at the temple. After having darshan of the deity,  the Union Minister also visited the Sanskrit Research Centre and Manavalamamuni Sannidhi where the Tirunakshatra Mahotsava is taking place. She was later presented a memento by the Mandya district administration.

Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumara, ZP CEO Nandini, MLA Darshan Puttannaiah,  Tahsildar  Shreyas, who is also the temple EO, the temple Management  Committee President Paramesh Gowda, Muzrai Tahsildar Thammegowda, temple Parupattegar Srinivasa Narasimhan Guruji, priest Varadaraja Bhattar and others were present.