HAMPI (KARNATAKA): The century-old Viruapaksha temple in Hampi has banned bananas on its premises in a bid to keep the area clean and save its temple elephantwho is often the subject of endless selfies by overzealous tourists while being fed bananas by the dozen.
Hanaumantappa, endowment officer of the temple, told TOI that they announced a ban on bringing bananas to the temple in accordance with a directive from the Vijayanagara District Administration.
Sources said many visitors bring bananas and feed the temple elephant. After feeding, they often leave behind remnants of bananas and plastic bags, littering the area. The temple is part of the world heritage recognized by UNESCO.
The temple’s elephant, Laxmi, 36, seemed visibly disturbed when some visitors reportedly force-fed the pachyderm recently, forcing the temple authorities to impose the ban, sources said. The temple receives a daily influx of more than 5,000 pilgrims, which increases to 50,000 during holidays and weekends.
Hanaumantappa said that the temple is a sacred place, also known as ‘Dakshin Kashi’. He appealed to pilgrims and devotees to cooperate with the administration to maintain cleanliness in the temple.