Shekhar Ajekar
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkal

Karkal, Aug 19: The first ‘Nemotsav’ of the monsoon season was held at Brahma Baidarkala (Garadi) temple, Hirgan, near here, on August 17 and 18.
 
The temples across Tulunadu do not witness much religious fervor during the entire month of ‘Aaati’, but gain momentum as the ‘Sankranti’ of ‘Sona’ month approaches. A month-long break for the temple deities also forms part of Tulunadu cultural traditions.

As one travels in the local bus from Karkala to Ajekar, near here, one comes across a place called Nellikatte, 8 km from here. Brahma Baidarkala Temple is located a few furlongs towards the east of Nellikatte junction. The annual Nemotsav of the season was held at the temple, led by the Billava community. 
 

Thousands of devotees from the locality and neighboring taluks witnessed the religious rituals at the temple and made offerings to the temple deity on the occasion.
 
The ‘Kolotsav’ of Mayandala (Manibale) was a significant religious ritual held at the temple on Thursday.  It is a belief that couples longing for children and that seeking marital bliss flock to the temple annually to offer their prayers. There were several devotees who arrived at the temple this year to express their gratitude for fulfillment of their wishes, while others sought favors.
 
The Nemotsav for Baidarkala, Tulunadu’s heroic icons Koti–Chennaya, Jogipurusha, and Vyagra Chamundi were held on Thursday August 16 night.  Other religious rites were also held on par with other temple traditions in Tulunadu.

The religious rituals at the temple was conducted for many years by the Jain community, and this was challenged by a group of people belonging to the Billava community led by the late Tabura Poojary, Shivanna, Gopa Poojary, and Mabu Poojary.  The annual rituals are being held annually under the chairmanship of Shivanna and secretary Ratnakar Poojary.

“The Billava community only contributes for Nemotsav and ‘Agel’ offerings to spirits. The people of other communities are free to offer prayers and partake in religious rites”, said Shivanna.
 
It’s significant that only vegetarian delicacies are offered during ‘Agel’ while the practice of offering non-vegetarian delicacies prevails across Tulunadu.