Ishta Linga at Aikya Mantap develops cracks

Visible cracks on Ishta Linga at Aikya Mantap in Kudalasangama. DH PHOTO

The Ishta Linga at Aikya Mantap at the Sangama (confluence of Krishna and Malaprabha rivers) has developed cracks.

According to residents, the cracks have occurred as devotees throw coins at the Ishta Linga. The Kudala Sangama Development Board has displayed a board requesting the devotees not to throw the coins at the Istha Linga, but drop them only in hundi box. The requests go in vain.

The devotees have sought deployment of security guards at the Mantap. They have requested the devotees to stop the practice of throwing the coins at the Ishta Linga as a blind belief. Kudala Sangama Basava Dharma Peetha’s Mahadeshwar Swami has urged the state government to protect the Ishta Linga by covering it with fibreglass.