Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Sep 29: After lightning struck the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Mahalingeshwara Temple at Arehole near Maravanthe in the taluk, the temple building suffered extensive damage. Due to the impact of lightning, out of a few divine forms carved out of stone adorning the temple tower, one burst into pieces.

The temple has two more towers, one at the main entrance, and another by it side. Both these towers are taller than the tower over the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. However, strangely lightning directly struck the tower standing over the sanctum sanctorum.

Among several stone forms lining up the outer wall of the tower, one suffered heavy damage while two more such forms and the tower were also damaged. The wall of the sanctum sanctorum too was damaged. Splinters of the broken stone form were seen to have flown up to a distance of 50 metres.

The temple in question was renovated in 2009 and the main entrance tower was built two years back. The temple however lacks lightning arrester system.