Madikeri: A land survey of Kakatodu Vanamarga Sri Bhagavathi Devi Temple near the Karnataka-Keralam border was completed, clearing a major hurdle in a decades-long dispute with forest department and paving the way for the 150-year-old temple’s development.Located in Makutta forest zone under Betoli gram panchayat in Virajpet taluk, the temple stands beside the state highway connecting Karnataka and Keralam. The deity is believed to have been worshipped since the era of the maharajas.Travellers began offering prayers at the shrine when the forest road, built before Independence, was narrow, accident-prone and frequented by wildlife. Devotees believe the goddess ensures safe passage. Special pujas are held every Friday, a Maha Puja on the last Friday of each month and an annual Jatra Mahotsava.About 50 years ago, villagers expanded the originally small shrine. However, development and access to govt grants remained stalled because the temple lacked formal land documents. The temple committee sought registration of two acres and 60 cents from the tract in the shrine’s name, but forest department objected because it fell within reserved forest jurisdiction.After earlier representations in 2001, the temple committee submitted another application to govt and elected representatives on Nov 18, 2020. Former revenue minister R Ashoka later wrote to DC after a representation through then district minister V Somanna. The survey was ordered during 2024 by the assistant director of land records.Now, Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna subsequently pursued the matter, leading to the survey, which has been completed in favour of the temple.The land has officially come into the possession of the temple administration. Temple president Radhakrishna said the documentation issue had prevented the shrine from securing govt grants. “Now, we can move for the improvement of the temple,” he said.Committee vice-president NC Vijayakumar said improved facilities and a compound wall were planned, and has sought grants from the district administration and local MLA.
