Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Temple in Karnataka’s Mandya on Wednesday during his one-day visit to the state. The temple is situated within the premises of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, which is considered a significant spiritual centre in the region. The visit drew a large number of devotees and local residents who gathered to witness the ceremony and seek blessings.

The temple has been built in memory of Balagangadharanatha Mahaswami, the 71st pontiff of the mutt. It stands at a location believed to be closely associated with his spiritual practices. A statue of the revered seer has been installed at the exact spot where he is said to have meditated. This has added to the religious importance of the site and made it a place of deep faith for his followers.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister offered special prayers dedicated to Balagangadharanatha Mahaswami before formally opening the temple to the public. His participation in the rituals reflected respect for the spiritual legacy of the mutt and its influence in the region. The event was marked by a devotional atmosphere as attendees witnessed the rituals and celebrations.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed deep emotion and gratitude for being part of the occasion. He said, "Today, my heart is filled with such emotions that it is difficult to express them in words. Witnessing the darshan and worship at Shri Kal Bhairav Temple, being present at the grand inauguration of Shri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira, spending time at the historic Jwala Peeth, receiving the company of saints who have reached spiritual heights, and now having darshan of the gathered public here—these experiences will stay with me forever. I consider it my good fortune that I got the opportunity to come among all of you. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all of you on this occasion," he said while addressing the gathering.

Along with the inauguration, the Prime Minister made nine key appeals to the people, focusing on social responsibility and sustainable living. He urged citizens to conserve water and adopt better water management practices. He highlighted the importance of protecting the environment and encouraged people to plant trees under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. He also stressed maintaining cleanliness in religious places, villages, cities, and public spaces.

The Prime Minister called for promoting self-reliance by supporting Indian-made products and strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He encouraged citizens to explore different parts of the country and boost domestic tourism. Farmers were advised to adopt natural farming methods for sustainable agriculture. He also addressed health concerns, urging people to reduce oil consumption by 10 per cent and include nutritious food like millets in their diets.

He stressed the importance of fitness and wellness in daily life. He encouraged people to take part in yoga and sports regularly. He also spoke about the value of service and asked citizens to contribute positively to society by helping others and maintaining a spirit of community.

The Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Temple has been constructed in the traditional Dravidian architectural style. The project reportedly cost between Rs 70 crore and Rs 80 crore. The foundation stone for the temple was laid nearly a decade ago, and the construction has now been completed. The temple stands as a tribute to the life and teachings of Balagangadharanatha Mahaswami and is expected to become an important place of worship and spiritual learning.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived in Karnataka and was received at the airport by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. His visit included participation in religious and public events, highlighting both cultural and developmental aspects of the region.

The inauguration of the temple marks a significant moment for devotees and followers of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt. It also reflects the continued importance of spiritual institutions in shaping social values and community life in India.