Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod
Kasargod, Mar 5: Thousands of people gathered at Enmakaje near Perla here on Friday March 4 as the annual 'Nemotsava' of Pilichamundi Raktheshwri and Parivara Daivas of the Enmakaje Beedina Mane was held with much devotion and fanfare.
The Nemotsava is held on the fourth day of the five-day annual religious festivities at the Enmakaje Beedina Mane. The festivities began on March 1.
The historical Nemotsava was performed under the leadership of Vishwanath Rai, the current family head who represents the entire clan of Enmakaje Beedina Mane.
Enmakaje Mane, with over 450 years of history, is known for spirit worship (Bhoota Kola). Among the nine Bhootas worshipped by the family are the head Bhoota (Rajan) or Pilichamundi, followed by Gulige, Sathyadevatha, Korathi, Posa Bhoota, Chalena Bhoota, and Rakhtheswari Bhoota.
Though the Nemotsava has been held in Enmakaje from centuries, it became an annual event only in 2004, after the reconstruction of the temple which was destroyed in a fire in 1994. The temple was rebuilt with the support of Sudhir Shetty, president of UAE Exchange who hails from Enmakaje. His family organizes the festival every year.
People from near and far thronged the Nemotsava and sought blessings. Among those present were Sudhir Shetty, Manjeshwara MLA P B Abdul Razak, former MLA Kunjambu and others.
During the festivity, the Pilichamudi Daiva blesses the people, listening to their woes and offering them advice. The devotees receive 'sirimudi arasina prasada'.
Meals and refreshments were served to guests and locals during the course of the five-day event. Cultural programmes included recital of devotional songs.