Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, April 13: The Pratishta Ashtabandha Brahmakalashotsava of Shri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple at Adyar, on the outskirts of Mangaluru, was held with great religious fervour and cultural splendour on Saturday.
The rituals began early in the morning with the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti, followed by the main Kalasha Pradhana Homa, Kalasha Pooja, and Kalashabhisheka. The Brahmakalasha Abhisheka was performed during the auspicious Vrishabha Lagna in the forenoon, along with Prasanna Pooja, a collective prayer (Samuhika Prarthane), Alankara Pooja, Mahapooja, Pallapooja, and distribution of prasadam.
A grand Maha Annasantarpane (community feast) was also organised. In the evening, the celebrations included Maha Chakrabhandala Pooja, chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama, Rangapooja to the deity, another round of collective prayers, and prasadam distribution.
Later, a formal public function and cultural programmes took place. The religious gathering was held in the esteemed presence of the temple’s Tantri, Vedic scholar Seetharama Acharya, under the leadership of Brahmakalashotsava committee president Shashidhar B Shetty. Shri Shri Rajshekarananda Swamiji of Gurupura Vajradehi Math delivered his blessings and spiritual address on the occasion.
The chief guest for the evening programme was Karnataka High Court Justice V Srishananda. Karnataka State religious council member Mallika Pakkala inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. A spiritual discourse was delivered by renowned scholar Damodara Sharma from Barkur.
Several dignitaries and prominent community members graced the occasion, including:
• Dr Y Bharath Shetty – MLA, Mangaluru City North
• Kishen J Shetty – Adyar Garden
• Harikrishna Bantwal – president, Koti-Chennaya Birthplace Committee, Padumale
• Prof Narendra L Nayak – president, Expert Education Institutions, Mangaluru
• Jayakar Shetty Indala – Udupi district commissioner, scouts and guides
• Raghu L Shetty (Papillon) – administrator, Kaveshwara Temple, Belluru
• Leelaksha Karkera – director, Namma Kudla Channel
• Bipin Rai Vaidyavu Guttu – entrepreneur
On this occasion, the temple Tantri Shri Seetharama Acharya was presented with a quarter pavun (sovereign) of gold in honour, and Brahmakalashotsava Committee president Shashidhar B Shetty was also felicitated.
Kaushik Kulal led the opening prayer. Chandrahasa Shetty welcomed the gathering and presented the introductory remarks. The event was compered by RJ Abhishek, and Anand Shetty Daddulike delivered the vote of thanks.
Prior to the main day’s events, spiritual blessings had also been offered by Shri Shri Gurudevananda Swamiji of Shri Kshetra Odiyoor and Shri Shri Rajshekarananda Swamiji of Gurupura Vajradehi Math. Mangaluru MP Capt Brijesh Chowta had extended his best wishes for the celebrations.
As part of the cultural programme, the Nandagokula Arehole Pratishtana, Mangaluru troupe presented a vibrant dance performance, directed by Shweta Arehole and sponsored by Ramesh Tumbe, Divakar Shetty Nadiguthu, and Mohan Kelaginakere. This was followed by a devotional music programme titled Mukhya Prana Gaanamruta Bhakti Gaana Sudhe, performed by Jagadeesh Acharya and his troupe, supported by the Kottari Samaja Sudharaka Sangha, Dakshina Kannada.