Land Owner Withdraws Proposed Development Near Igguthappa Temple Following Public Opposition

Feature illustration showing the Padi Igguthappa Temple in Kakkabe and spiritual leader Shree M. Photo: Special arrangement

Madikeri: Following strong opposition from residents of Kodagu, members of the Kodava community, and extensive coverage by The Kodagu Express regarding the proposed development of land near the sacred Malama Kundh, also known as Igguthappa Kundh, spiritual leader and landowner Shree M has announced the withdrawal of all proposed construction activities on the property.

The controversy erupted after reports emerged that around 80 acres of land near the sacred hill in Nelaji village, Napoklu Hobli, Madikeri taluk, had been purchased by an outsider. Local residents and community leaders expressed concern that the land could be developed for commercial purposes, potentially affecting the sanctity of the area, local ecology and the religious sentiments associated with the hill.

Malama Kundh holds immense spiritual significance for the Kodava community. Located near the famous Padi Igguthappa Temple in Kakkabe, the hill is regarded as a sacred peak and forms an integral part of the cultural and religious heritage of Kodagu. The temple itself is one of the most revered shrines in the district, attracting devotees from across the region.

Responding to the concerns, Shree M, whose birth name is Mumtaz Ali, issued a detailed clarification stating that the land was purchased solely for spiritual purposes and not for any commercial venture.

“I have purchased landed immovable properties situated at Nelaji Village... not for any commercial purposes but only for the purpose of running self-retreat with meditation, studying of Shastras, learning Sanskrit chanting and for general practice of advanced yoga,” he said in the statement.

Shree M further clarified that the proposed facilities were to include a goshala, meditation hall and ponds, and that there was never any intention to cut trees or damage the surrounding forest landscape. He said he considered the Igguthappa Temple a sacred place and respected the spiritual importance of hill.

“Considering the sentiments of the villagers, I have decided to withdraw the proposed construction in the said properties and now I have no intention to make any construction on the land,” he stated.

He added that the decision was taken because any development in the area could affect the religious feelings of the Kodava community. “I hereby withdraw and cancel all the proposed constructions and no constructions will be made which will affect the religious feelings of Hindus,” he said.

Addressing environmental concerns, Shree M said the ponds planned on the property were intended solely for groundwater conservation and not for commercial purposes. He also assured residents that he had “no intention to damage the environment of the locality under any circumstances.”

The spiritual leader said he would personally visit the Igguthappa Temple after returning from the United States to explain the matter to local residents and community members.

The clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny and social media campaigns seeking protection of the sacred landscape surrounding Malama Kundh, reflecting the deep cultural and religious significance the site holds for the people of Kodagu.

However, The Kodagu Express could not independently verify the authenticity of the statement attributed to Shree M, as the document was not issued on an official letterhead and did not contain any verifiable organisational details or authentication marks.

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