By Shobha Rao Smilemaker
Kasargod, Jan 13: When an ancient idol of god was found in a private waterbody in the midst of an arecnut estate, the Baje Mayya Brahmin family at Heroor in Kasargod, promised five years ago to build a new temple on their ancestral family property. It was a true privilege to attend one of the days of the 11 day Brahmakalasha ceremonial rituals which culminated on January 8 - a new beginning to a 700 year old demolished temple at the same spot!
Since decades the family had been conducting an annual Thambila ritual in the moolastana (original spot in the woods) to the daiva spirit deities of the place called Dhoomavati, Rakteshwari, Korati and Guliga. During a ceremony called Prashna Chintana it was revealed by the daivagnas that a Mahavishnu shrine used to be present in this area. Centuries ago, inorder to prevent the idols from being destroyed by invaders, they were immersed by the devotees in the water tank. On the western side of the tank, the remains of the demolished ancient temple was also found during the recent excavation.
An ancient two and a half feet broken idol of lord Vishnu that was found in the water tank, was taken out by the devotees, with a promise by the family trust members to rebuild the temple exactly within a time frame of five years ending on January 8.
It was a series of rituals, meetings, and immense appeals for collecting funds for this massive lifetime project. The family priest conducted numerous Praschitha homas (in repentance for the ancestral mistakes). The foundation laying ceremonies called Anujna Kalasha and Balalaya Prathista were conducted on December 6.
During the temple renovation work, another ancient idol of Maha Vishnu was found in the land, and installed in the temporary shrine.
It was just by the grace of God, that immense monetary cooperation as well as voluntary services by countless devotees helped in making this dream of a new renovated temple come true for the Baje Hari Narayana Mayya and family members.
The logistics and organizational capabilities of the family members and their dedicated teams is really to be appreciated in organizing the super grand 11 day mega Brahmakalasha event.
All auspicious events start with a Ganesha homa on the first day. There was a grand horekanike procession where offerings of cereals, grains, oils, spices, fruits, vegetables and more from many devotees and organizations were gathered to fill the warehouse. Every item received and given to the cooks for mass free feeding for the countless devotees over 11 days was meticulously entered in the register. The meals for all times were prepared in different kitchens and different venues were used for serving food to the priests, family members, VIP guests, general public as well as to the Muslim community. It was such a pleasurable sight to see the participation of both communities an total harmony at this grand event.
The cultural program was inaugurated which was a treat to all the audience with live stage performances on all 11 days! There were many Bhajan singing groups, group prayer recitals, classical dance celebrations, local talent displays, religious lectures by VIP invitees, yakshagana performances etc. throughout the days which was a real treat to the huge audiences.
Every morning would start with numerous religious rituals in the temple premises like navagraha shanti homa, ashtotarasatha nalikera Ganesha homa, many other shanti homas, siddhi Pooja’s, Tri kala Pooja’s, Maha Pooja’s, kalasha abhishekas and more.
On the seventh day the covered new idol was brought with all the accompanying rituals to the temple premises. (Meanwhile the excavated ancient idols were given a respectful immersion in the sea waters after being take away from their temporary shrine)
We visited the temple on the ninth day when the covered idol was in a shayana or restful state. Finally the Brahmakalasha happened along with the main grand unveiling, inauguration and installation ceremonies associated with the consecrated temple idol on the last two days.
All the super grand events were carried out with ease and gods grace by the faithful devotees. More than ten thousand devotees were give food offerings as prasadam on all days.
The awe inspiring and colourful Nemothsava and Bhoota kola rituals were held throughout the last day in honour of the Daiva spirit deities of the place called Dhoomavati, Rakteshwari, Korati and Guliga.
Thus ended the unforgettable eleven days Brahmakalasha program at the Maha Vishnu Herur temple conducted under the leadership of the Baje Hari Narayana Mayya and family and their huge team of well wishers, volunteers, supporters, contributors and sponsors. They surely deserve something like a lifetime achievement award for this selfless contribution to humanity.
Do imagine the ancient glories of the place and please visit the reinstalled Maha Vishnu temple at Herur in Kasargod district for an inner smile of true devotion.
Shobha Rao Smilemaker has a vision of living in a world where people use their ability to find and make smiles in any situation. She is a lawyer by qualification, a soft skills trainer by passion, a motivational speaker, a freelance journalist, a bestselling author, an avid traveler and founder of 'Smilemakers Trainings'. She can be contacted at www.shobhasmilemaker.com.