During the excavation, stone inscriptions & ruins of many Temples some dating back to 900 A.D., were found in the forest. An in-depth study of the area brought into light many historical relics and interesting facts and information about the bygone days of Hosagunda. Today Hosagunda is under the process of getting converted into a paradise for every human inclination - for peace, for religious and spiritual inclination, for reliving a bygone era, for experiencing nature and for plain clean fun, thus, making it a “MUST VISIT” place for everyone. An abandoned temple structure discovered in 1996 in the midst of 600 acres of dense forest
The first phase of restoration began in the year 2001, during which the Temple surroundings were cleaned and made presentable. And on 4th may 2001, the rituals and the worship resumed with the installation of “NARMADA BANA LINGAM” (an oval stone, the sacred representation of Lord Shiva fetched from the banks of river NARMADA) in the vacant sanctum-sanctorum.
As the Temple structure & its foundation was almost in a dilapidated condition, there was an immediate need to restore it completely. Necessary approval was taken from the Archaeological Authorities. Thanks to the support and co-operation from Padmashree Dr.D.Veerendra Heggade , agreement to conserve the monument was signed with Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust and the 2nd phase of restoration began on 11th January 2007. Each and every part of the Temple was serially numbered , dismantled & kept aside with special care.
The foundation of the Temple had sunk due to extended roots of the trees grown around the structure. The 3rd phase was to reinstate and strengthen the fragile foundation
The restoration then entered the 4th phase, with the systematic and meticulous joining of broken parts, suffered due to natural calamities. The same greenish chlorite schist stones used in the original monument were sourced from a distant place to replace the missing pieces.
Using the same dismantled stones, the serially numbered parts were re-joined part by part & rebuilt. Rebuilding an ancient monument using almost 99 percent of same parts from the original structure makes this restoration the first of its kind in the world.
At the time of restoration, it was noticed that the Dhwajasthambha or the flag post of the Temple has not been installed at the time of its construction. Experts were of the opinion that this in completion might have caused the downfall of the Temple. As a part of restoration process, a new 45 feet single stone structure of Dhwajasthambha has been installed in the forecourt of the Temple as per vedic guidelines, thus, completing the God's imperfect sanctuary.
In order to accelerate further momentum of restoration process, the Founder Trustees, surrounding villagers and devotees recently seeked the Divine blessings and guidance of His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sringeri Dakshinaamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha, Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji. It must be a Divine intervention, we are all blessed today because of His Holiness agreeing to be ‘Mahasamrakshak’ of Sri Umamaheshwara Seva Trust (Reg.No.41) and Padmashri Dr. V.R. Gowrishankar, Chief Administrator of Dakshinaamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri agreeing to be the Life Trustee for allround development of this Holy place.
The journey so far has been hazardous, challenging and sometimes seemed impossible! In the forthcoming pages are a pictorial presentation of some of the selected relentless efforts put in by us during the last couple of years towards reconstruction of Hosagunda. With the Divine grace, some of our dreams have been fulfilled, some of them are under completion stage and many more dreams to bring back Hosagunda to its past glory are yet to be fulfilled. With the new boost, blessings, patronage and guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji and also with the support of Padmashri Dr. V.R. Gowrishankarji and other Patrons, we are sure that all our dreams will be fulfilled very soon. “Please join hands by donating generously in bringing back Hosagunda to its lost glory and be blessed from all Deities of Hosagunda and also His Holiness Sri Jagadguruji.”
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