CHIKMAGALUR: Not many are aware of the existence of a temple for Gandhiji at Nidaghatta village near Kadur.
A youth association led by its leader Saganappa hit upon the idea of building a temple overnight in memory of Mahatma Gandhi in the village, soon after the father of the nation fell to the bullets of Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.
The bunch of young enthusiasts, who were dedicated to the freedom movement and influenced by Gandhian principles, was pained at his unexpected assassination and formed an association comprising 24 boys under the guidance of Thimmanna, Dasappa, Hanumanthappa and others.
They built a memorial in honour of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in front of the historical Anjaneyaswamy Temple at Nidaghatta, just 22 km from Kadur town. The temple dedicated to Gandhiji was inaugurated by the then law minister KT Bhashyam Iyengar on February 22, 1948.
Well maintained
The temple is even now maintained well and is in good condition. It is kept open on Gandhi Jayanthi day, Independence Day and other national festivals. On such occasions, the youth of the village even today garland the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the temple and show their reverence.