Mangaluru
A dedicated group of heritage enthusiasts has come together under the initiative Prachya Taulava Karnataka to preserve lesser-known historical sites and landmarks. Focusing on reviving neglected historic locations, the team collaborates with local communities, as exemplified by a recent cleanliness drive at the Padumatha Ramatirtha, a site dating back to the 14th-15th century. This effort was conducted in partnership with the Sriniketana Museum, Kukke Subrahmanya, and the Prachya Sanchaya Research Centre in Udupi.
Shruthesh Acharya Moodubelle, Deputy Director of the Sriniketan Museum, emphasized that their mission is to conserve historic monuments while increasing awareness through archaeological evidence. Launched in October, the campaign aims to illuminate lesser-known sites. Support has come from notable figures such as Shri Vidyaprasanna Tirtha Swami of Shri Subrahmanya Mutt and GV Kallapura, founder of the Sriniketana Museum.
Acharya highlighted the renewed interest in Ramatirtha, an ancient kalyani in the Shirva region, following the cleanliness efforts. The kalyani, built with intricate granite stonework and decorative motifs, is historically significant, having been used for holy baths during the annual Utsava at the Sri Mahatobara Mahalingeshwara Temple. Acharya noted the presence of an incomplete 14th-century inscription at the site.
He encouraged students to document local historic sites and write articles, contributing to the understanding and significance of these lesser-known places through archaeological findings.
