After a prolonged period of 15 years, the Varada Vinayaka temple in Karnataka's Hampi has finally been opened for devotees. The temple, along with another shrine, had been utilized as a warehouse by officials due to apathy, depriving the faithful of the opportunity to have darshan.
Neglect and Restoration
For the last 15 years, devotees could not access these temples as they were used for storage. However, recent efforts have led to their reopening. M G Balakrishna reported on June 19, 2026, that the structures have suffered from neglect, with walls being built on the stone halls, which has compromised the architectural beauty.
Impact on Heritage
The construction of walls on the stone halls has been criticized for ruining the aesthetic and historical value of the site. The temples are part of the rich cultural heritage of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The reopening marks a significant step towards preserving these ancient structures and allowing devotees to worship once again. Local authorities have been urged to ensure proper maintenance and prevent further damage.
