Hassan district restricts vehicle access to popular Male Malleshwara temple

The District Commissioner of Hassan has issued orders prohibiting vehicular traffic to the Male Malleshwara temple located in Seegegudda, citing growing congestion and conservation concerns. The decision comes as the temple has witnessed unprecedented visitor volumes in recent weeks, straining existing infrastructure and access routes.

The uptick in pilgrim and tourist arrivals has been largely driven by the commercial success of the Kannada film Premed Ooralli, portions of which were filmed at the scenic temple location. The movie's popularity has made the destination a sought-after attraction among cinema enthusiasts and devotees alike.

District officials stated that the vehicle restriction is intended to manage crowd flow, enhance safety, and protect the temple premises from vehicular damage. The ban is expected to encourage visitors to approach the shrine on foot, thereby reducing congestion and environmental impact on the heritage site.

Local authorities have not announced specific details regarding exemptions for emergency vehicles or alternative transportation arrangements, though temple management is reportedly working with officials to implement the directive smoothly. The restrictions are expected to remain in effect until visitor volumes stabilize to manageable levels.