Karkala: Karvalu Temple Visit Awe Inspiring - Ravi Shastri
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SB) 
 
Karkala, Oct 17: Former all rounder of Indian cricket and famed international cricket commentator Ravi Shastri once again visited Sri Mahavishnumurthy Temple at Karvalu near here on Friday October 17. Despite hectic schedule as a commentator at the Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament, Shastri took less than a day off to pay obeisance to the Lord here as the holy place holds a great significance for the cricketing star.

It can be recalled here that about 20 months ago, Shastri was blessed with a girl child after 18 years of married life following Nagapuja at the temple. "Visiting the holy abode provides me a lot of inspiration. Though I would have felt happier if I had known about the holy abode 25 years ago, nevertheless my wishes have been fulfilled after I prayed here. I was blessed with a little girl Alaika, said Shastri.

Speaking about cricket, Shastri indicated that upcoming Indo-Ausies one-day cricket series will be an exciting one. Though Rahul Dravid has been dropped from the team, he need not lose heart. I am sure he will bounce back, he said. Justifying Pathan's omission, he said only 15 players can be accommodated for a series and hence everyone can't get a chance.

Journalist Manohar Prasad of Udayavani Kannada daily and one of the relatives of Shastri arranges his visit to the temple whenever he expresses his wish to visit the temple. "It is a great belief of ours that Karvalu temple has special place in our lives. I belong to this place and a witness to the visit of several thousands of devotees from around the places to the temple,” said Manohar Prasad speaking to daijiworld.

"It’s great to see Shastri's devotion. He seems truly inspired for he finished his commentator’s job in the midnight of Thursday, slept for about two hours and took an early to Mangalore. The family has its roots in Karvalu, which can be traced back to over 300 years,” added Prasad.

Along with Manohar Prasad, Temple administrator K Somashekar Rao, Govindoor Chandrashekar Hegde and Dr Santosh Kumar Shastri among others were present. Cricketer Shastri was honoured on behalf of the temple on the occasion. Shastri also assured of another visit whenever he gets the opportunity.