Mangaluru’s Mahatobhara Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple demolished a 50-year-old government lower primary school building within its premises this week, redirecting temple-owned land toward essential development works.
Known as Devala Vatara School, the structure remained shuttered since 2017 due to zero admissions, operating on temple-donated land never transferred to the education department’s ownership despite operational permissions.
Originally built by temple authorities serving underprivileged children, the facility struggled without dedicated funding, leading to BEO Puttur’s closure decision under GS Shashidhar, who now serves as Dakshina Kannada DDPI.
Post-closure, the building supported temple activities until comprehensive mahalingeshwara vikas necessitated reclaiming underutilized sacred space for expanded puja facilities and pilgrim amenities.
Nearby Nellikatte and Haradi schools, within walking distance, absorb former students without disruption, thereby validating temple management’s prioritization of religious infrastructure over defunct secular use on the devasthanam property.
Puttur’s decision exemplifies Hindu institutions reclaiming endowments from non-performing government encroachments, ensuring sacred premises serve Mahadev’s service rather than languishing as abandoned classrooms.
Puttur’s Mahalingeshwara Temple authorities demolished the long-closed Devala Vatara School on temple-owned land to facilitate essential development work, while nearby schools ensured uninterrupted access to education.
