Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 12: The coastal region of Karnataka is renowned for its ancient temples that are steeped in legends. As the centuries have passed by, many of the temples have been renovated not only to retain them but to meet the needs of growing number of devotees. Now, it is the turn of the historical Shree Suryanarayana Temple in Maroli, believed to have come into existence due to intense penance performed by ascetics about 1,200 years ago, to undergo a complete renovation.
Owing to the highly competent religious advice which emerged during Astamangala, the executive committee and members of Shree Suryanarayana temple development committee have started the renovation of the temple. Some of the basic works required to be met urgently have been taken up.
Situated about 2.5 kilometres away from Mahaveer circle, the beautiful temple is spread on 1.5 acres of land.
The temple is historically very unique and is said to have been established 1,200 years ago. It is believed that sages had visualised a 'globe of light' and they laid the foundation for a temple at Maroli. In the beginning it was worshiped as Parabrahma. Some worshipers of Shiva (Shaivas) worshiped this divine power as the base of Shiva-Shakti. This Shiva-Shakti is the visual and concrete form of unvisualised form of Parabrahma. With this fundamental faith the worship of Parashiva and Parashakthi was being performed. The idol of Maha Ganapati was installed.
Later, the Vaishnavas took charge of this temple and to suit their customs, they worshiped the Parabrahmashakti as Shreemannarayana. They believed that Parashakti and Parashiva were the form of Parabrahma and they worshiped the idol of Shiva. They offered Rudraabhisheka to Shiva and to maintain the existence of Parashakti they preserved the customs of celebrating Navaratri.
The temple covered seven villages which are known today as Maroli, Jeppu, Kankanady, Alape, Bajal, Kannur and Padavu. These seven villages constitute the basis for its overall activities since ages. About 450 years ago, due to lack of support from the kings, the temple was in ruins. During those days a Jain female chief of the village cluster, or the Queen, possessed the presidency comprising of seven villages. On behalf of the devotees, she accepted Shree Suryanarayana as the clan God (Kuladevatha) of the village cluster of these seven villages. The people and the Queen gave enough land free of cost for the management and development of the temple. But it again deteriorated in the decades that followed.
Shree Suryanarayana temple possesses Saanidhya of Hari, Hara, Brahma and Shakthi and is unique with sacred Kshetra. There are so many evidences to show the miraculous experiences of the devotees, be it childless couples being blessed with offspring, or illness being cured. Therefore, the locals feel it is their duty to revive this sacred temple and provide amenities to the devotees visiting this Kshetra.
The renovation project is large in all respects and is estimated to cost Rs 15 crores. The works are connected to Garbha Gudi, Teertha Mantapa, flag pole, Anna Chathra, parking places, Ganapati Gudi, Shree Devi Gudi, Suthu Pauli inside the temple, Vasantha Mantapa, holy pond, well, Naagana Bana, Paaka Shaale and Raja Gopura.
The additional deputy commissioner of the district Kumar has already inspected the ongoing renovation work of the temple and gathered details of Brahma Kalashotsava recently, in the presence of muzrai tahsildar A R Prabhakar, temple renovation committee president J Balakrishna Kothari, development committee president K P Shetty, committee members Poornima Navin, Sharan Shakthinagar, Bhujanga Shetty, Rohtih Maroli and devotees.
The renovation work will be formally launched during the start of temple's 'Brahmakalashotsava' from April 17 to April 26.
Devotees willing to contribute for the renovation may send their donations to the following bank accounts :
State Bank of Mysore – Pumpwell Branch
Account No: 64096945514
IFSC Code – SBMY0040794
Vijaya Bank, Alape – Padil Branch
Account No: 100301011001788
IFSC Code – VIJB0001003
Karnataka Bank, Kankanady – Nagori Branch
Account No: 4742500101507301
IFSC Code - KARB0000474
Avail Tax Benefit
Donations made to Sri Suryanarayana Temple Maroli are exempt from income tax u/s 80G at the IT Act, 1961 in the hands of the donors as per notification of the central government order bearing No 6870 (F No 176/51/84-IT(AT) dated 14-8-1986 PAN: AAKTS9998K)
Email : sntemplemaroli@gmail.com
Website : www.srisuryanarayanatemple.com