Hassan DC bans vehicles to Male Malleshwara temple at Seegegudda in Hassan

Shivamogga Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lata Kumari has banned all private and tourist vehicles on the roads leading to the Male Malleshwara temple in the Seegegudda reserve forest area in Hassan taluk. The ban is in force from October 25 to November 11. The temple in Seege hobli became a popular destination in recent days after Premada Ooralli, a Kannada movie, a portion of which was shot at the destination, became a hit.

According to the order, earlier only about 50 people visited the temple every day. The number has now gone up to more than 5,000 a day. The Deputy Commissioner issued the order on October 24, in view of the Hasanamba and Siddeshwaraswamy temple festival, which will be held from October 29 to November 11. A large number of devotees is also expected during the festival at the Hasanamba temple.

The order notes that visitors who have darshan of the goddess are likely to go to the hill temple as well, and tourists coming from Belur may also visit it. The people of the village, the Forest Department, the Superintendent of Police and the Tahsildar of Hassan taluk reported that the road to the temple is very narrow, with steep slopes, and has no crash barriers. This makes it unsuitable for the smooth and safe movement of vehicles, she said.

The Deputy Commissioner issued the order as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, banning the movement of all private and tourist vehicles to the temple. However, during the ban, there would be no restriction on those reaching the place by walk.