Puttur, August 10, 2026: A gold armour (Swarna Kavacha) is being planned for the presiding deity of the historic Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur, with MLA Ashok Kumar Rai stating that the work is expected to be completed before the next annual temple festival.
Speaking to the media on Sunday (August 9) after donating 100 grams of gold worth around ₹15 lakh for the project, Rai said devotees have so far contributed approximately 6 kg of gold, while another 5 kg is required to complete the proposed gold armour. “Our intention is to complete the Swarna Kavacha work before the next annual festival,” he said.
A special prayer was offered to the deity under the leadership of temple priest Vasantha Kedilaya before the gold was formally offered. Temple Management Committee president Eshwara Bhat Panjigudde, committee members Mahabala Rai Valathadka and Nalini P. Shetty, MLA’s wife Suma Ashok, PUDA member Nihal Shetty, and the MLA’s children Ridhee A. Rai, Pradheel A. Rai and Shridhee A. Rai were present.
100 grams of gold donated to Mathantabettu temple
The Ashok Kumar Rai family also donated 100 grams of gold towards the construction of a gold armour for Sri Mahishamardini Devi Temple at Mathantabettu.
MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, Suma Ashok, their children Ridhee A. Rai, Pradheel A. Rai and Shridhee A. Rai, temple priest Ramakrishna Bhat and Management Committee president Kaipa Keshava Bhandari were present.
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Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple, Swarna Kavacha, Ashok Kumar Rai, Puttur temple, gold donation, Mathantabettu Mahishamardini Temple, Puttur Suddi, Puttur News, Citizen News Puttur