-News n Pics : Anand Kumar Barkur
Barkur, February 22, 2026: In a significant step toward the comprehensive restoration of one of Tulu Nadu's most revered shrines, the office of the Renovation Committee of Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Kotakeri, Barkur, was formally inaugurated on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
The inauguration was performed by renowned industrialist, philanthropist, and social activist Sri K. Prakash Shetty, Chairman of MRG Group, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the occasion. Sri Shetty, who has been actively involved in the renovation and restoration of several prominent temples across Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, was warmly welcomed and felicitated by the temple's Management Committee.
Addressing the gathering, Sri K. Prakash Shetty pledged his active involvement in all aspects of the temple's restoration work and appealed to people across all castes and communities to come forward and extend their wholehearted cooperation in this sacred endeavor.
Among the distinguished personalities present on the occasion were Sri Suggi Sudhakar Shetty, President of the Temple Renovation Committee; Sri B. Shanta Rama Shetty, President of the Temple Management Committee; Sri Manjunatha Rao, Administrative Moktesar; industrialist Sri Ratnakar Shetty Dodmane, Barkur (Hubballi); Sri Suprasad Shetty, Baikadi; historian Sri Jagadish Shetty; Sri Uday Kumar Shetty, Administrative Moktesar of Sri Someshwara Temple, Moodu Keri, Barkur; Sri Vasantha Giliyar of Moodu Giliyaru Jana Seva Trust; Sri Srinivasa Shetty, Secretary of the Renovation Committee; Sri Raghava Shetty Champadi; Sri Chandrashekhar Shetty; Sri Ramachandra Kamath; Sri Janardhan Devadiga; Sri Chandrashekhar Shetty Nalkudru; Sri Akash Raj Jain; Sri Madhusudhan Kachur; Sri Manjayya Hegde Champadi; Sri Kusa L. Kundar Hoskere; Sri Devadas Hoskere; Sri Praveen Gadiyar; Smt. Mallika Hegde; Smt. Uma Hosala; Smt. Bharati R. Kamath; Sri Ganesh Balegar; Sri Manjunatha Pujari; Sri Nemiraj Shetty; Sri Sundar Shetty; Sri Prashant Adiga; Sri Rakshit Barkur; Sri Krishna; Smt. Savitha Yermal, Shri Kumar Choulikeri, Sri Shrajan Pujari; members of the temple Management Committee; members of Sri Bhuvaneshwari Bhajana Mandali; the temple priests; devotees; and members of the media.
The programme was compered by journalist Sri Rajesh K.C., while the vote of thanks was delivered by Sri Suprasad Shetty, Baikadi.
The renovation of this centuries-old temple, considered a landmark deity of the Tulu Nadu region, is expected to be a landmark undertaking, and the community has expressed enthusiasm and solidarity in supporting this pious cause.
