R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, May 2: Reconsecration of the presiding deity of Lord Venkataramana temple, which is also famously known by the name, 'Padutirupathi', was conducted by Sri Samyamindrateertha Swamiji, spiritual head of Kashi Math, at a function organized at the auspicious time of 'Mithuna Lagna', which occurred at 10.13 am on Sunday May 1.

At 4 am, Punyahavachana, followed by Aavahita Devarchane, Tulasi Vrindavan installation, offering of worship to consecration pitchers, ritualistic bath to the idol with 100 pitchers of holy water, oblations, Shatakalashabhisheka, Prasanna puja etc were performed. At the time the idol of the Lord was brought to the Yajnamantapa, the Swamiji too arrived.

At 8 am, Mahapoornahuti followed by Prasanna puja, offering of golden garlands to both the idols on the occasion of reconsecration, prayers seeking divine permission to go ahead with the procedure, installation of the Kalasha at the highest point of the temple roof, entry of the Lord into the new sanctum sanctorum, Guruganapati puja, Dwaralaxmi puja, donation of cows, Panchaphala Daana, Muhurtha Nirikshane and Prasannarghya Pradaana were also performed.

At 10.13 am, idols of Lord Venkataramana and family deities were consecrated inside the sanctum sanctorum. Thereafter, religious procedures like Tatwakalashabhisheka, post-consecration puja, Ashtamangala Nirikshane, Mahaprarthane, installation of flag, Pattakanike, Mahapuja, and community feast were arranged.

A large number of devotees took part in all the procedures enthusiastically. The people raised slogans hailing the Lord, even as chanting of hymns went on. Over 1,500 volunteers were busy undertaking work to make the function a grand success. More than 350 Vedic scholars from the community, who came from different places, took part in worships and other procedures.

Managing trustee of the temple, K Jayaram Prabhu, trustee, K Ganesh N Kamath, chief priest and heriditary priest, K Raveendra Puranik, K Anil Joshi, Tantry Surendra Bhat, and Vinayak Bhat, were among those who took part in the programme.

At the community feast organized at the Annapoorna dining hall of the temple, over 40,000 people partook the Prasadam. Before the religious programmes began, Sri Samyamindrateertha Swamiji delivered benedictory address.