Bengaluru: British Prime Minister Theresa May will visit the city’s oldest temple – Someshwara Temple in Halasuru – on Tuesday. Ms May will head to the temple after she wraps up her scheduled stop at the Peenya Industrial Area.
Built during the Chola period, Someshwara Temple is said to be over a thousand years old. Recently, a Kalyani or stepped tank was discovered near the temple and excavation works was taken up in 2010 by the Muzrai department, BBMP and the Survey of India.
The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was revamped and upgraded by the Vijayanagara kings and then again by Bengaluru founder Kempe Gowda. The temple, despite its rich past, is not under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
A member of the Temple administration said, “Ms is expected to reach the temple at 3 pm.” He said, “No special arrangements or poojas have been scheduled. Ms May will have a normal darshan and will leave immediately.”
On the steps taken to clean the temple, he said, “Cleanliness is part of our daily ritual. Nothing special has been done.” Halasuru corporator Mamatha S. said, “The British PM is expected at Someshwara temple at 3 pm on Tuesday. All arrangements have been made by the Muzrai department in this regard.”
But at the back of the temple, a huge pile of rotten garbage was left unattended. Cows and dogs were at the spot, which is right next to a church. It was obvious that the visiting dignitary will not be taken into the temple through this road.
