500-room lodge opens in Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said the Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) has earmarked Rs 1 crore for drought relief.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 500-room Sahyadri Lodge at Dharmasthala here on Sunday, he said Rs 50 lakh will be spent on supplying water through tankers and remaining Rs 50 lakh for the supply of fodder for the cattle.

Cleanliness call

He called upon devotees to maintain cleanliness at the temple. All efforts are being made to maintain cleanliness in Nethravathi river, which is the lifeline of people in the region.

Sringeri Sharada Peetha seer Bharathiteertha Swami said, “Protection of Dharma and inculcating it in our day-to-day life should be our utmost priority in life.”

Minister for Housing M H Ambareesh said truth always triumphed in the society. The minister lauded the efforts of the authorities for mass feeding at Dharmasthala temple.

The lodge has been constructed using eco-friendly technology. It features doors and windows made of fibre, not wood. Solar water heaters have been installed supply of hot water for the convenience of devotees.