Pandavapura: The legendary stone pillar resembling ‘Onake’ (pestle) at Kunti Betta in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, which was  broken by miscreants, has been re-installed yesterday under the aegis of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Renovation Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Committee President Dr. M. Mayigowda said that miscreants had broken this religiously significant pestle three years ago, following which the residents of surrounding villages such as Chikkade, Devegowdanakoppalu, Hirimarali, Chikkamarali, Pattasomanahalli, Kennalu, Nelamane and Harohalli, decided to re-install it.

The then MLA K.S. Puttannaiah had provided Rs. 1.5 lakh for the re-installation. But due to the sudden demise of the MLA in February 2018, the works came to a halt. Later, residents of Chikkade village donated Rs. 3.5 lakh and subsequently the ‘Onake’ was re-installed at the site, Dr. M. Mayigowda added.

Village leaders, who donated liberally and sculptors of the pestle were felicitated on  the occasion.

Former Mandya Zilla Panchayat President Chikkade Basavegowda, Shankarananda Bharathi Vidyapeetha former President H.V. Srikantaiah,former Secretary Pattasomanahali Ningegowda and others were present on the occasion.