Mysuru: Thanks to the efforts of local residents and leaders, Sri Mahalakshmi temple has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 30 lakh adjacent to Sri Vidyaganapathy temple on 6th Main Road in Vinayakanagar (Paduvarahalli) here. Shops in the area were vacated and the temple was built in just 6 months by Sri Vidyaganapathy and Mahalakshmi Temple Trust with assistance from residents and devotees.

Sri Somanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Mysuru Branch, will inaugurate the new temple on May 5 at 9.30 am. MPs Pratap Simha, R. Dhruvanarayan, C.S. Puttaraju, MLAs and others will participate.

An idol of Mahalakshmi has been installed inside the huge Gopura of the temple. The main door has two elephant sculptures on either side. In front of the Gopura are idols of Lakshminarayana along with Ashta Lakshmis. The sanctum sanctorum is aesthetically designed with all divine features.

The Vidyaganapathy temple, which was built over 30 years ago, was inaugurated by Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer late Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji in the presence of the then Chief Minister R. Gundu Rao on Aug. 31, 1981.

Gundu Rao had suggested to rename Paduvarahalli as Vinayakanagar, recalled M. Ramachandra, Hon. President of the  Temple Trust.