Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Oct 12: Top ranked Bhagavath of Thenkuthittu Padyana Ganapathi Bhat passed away on Tuesday October 12. He was 66.
Bhat had contracted Covid a few months ago. He had recovered from the condition and returned home. He was suffering from heart ailment also. Bhat died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday.
Bhat had done Bhagavathike for more than five decades in Thenkuthittu. He founded the Padyana style in Bhagavathike. He was serving as chief Bhagavath in popular troupes of Thenkuthittu like Hosanagara Mela, Edaneeru Mela and Hanumagiri Mela. Even his brothers and whole Padyana family has contributed immensely for glory of Thenkuthittu Yakshagana.
He was born on January 21, 1955 to Thirumaleshwara Bhat and Savithri Amma couple, residents of Golthaje near Kalmadka of Sullia taluk. He was originally from Padyana family of Karopady village of Bantwal. He joined Chowdeshwari Mela at the age of 16 and started his long and fruitful journey of Bhagavathike.
Bhat has left behind wife Sheelashankari, children Swasthik and Karthik, relatives, friends and scores of his fans.