Madikeri : Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade unveiled a 52-foot tall statue of Lord Shiva at Sri Rajarajeshwari temple at Karnangeri near the city on Friday.

Various religious rituals were held at the temple from morning in this connection. Hundreds of devotees took part in the rituals.

Speaking on the occasion, Heggade said the statue of Lord Shiva is a symbol of memory power.

Temple trustee Govindaswamy said his father Sannayya Swamy fell unconsious 60 years ago while walking inside the forest. The Goddess who came in his dream ordered him to perform puja rituals. Since then, puja is being offered to the Goddess. Later, a Kashilinga was installed at the place. The work on the statue of Lord Shiva commenced 10 years ago, he added.

Sculptor Ravi said a pillar was constructed for the base of the statue. Gopala, Manjunath, Shekar, Devaraj and Subhash helped him in sculpting the statue, he added.

Heggade conferred ‘Kodagina Kala Ratna’ award on sculptor Ravi on the occasion.