Pics: Sumanth Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 31: The inauguration of the Navadurga Lekhana Yajna and Mangala Gowri Pooja, part of the Brahmakalashotsava renovation celebrations, will take place on September 3.

Vasudeva Shetty, working president of the Kaup Sri Hosa Marigudi Temple Renovation Committee, addressed the media on August 31, stating, “The day will feature a series of religious events, starting with the Mangala Gowri Pooja, followed by the inauguration of the Navadurga Lekhana Yajna.”

“The primary rituals will be led by the temple's chief priest, Vidwan KP Kumaraguru Tantri, and Vedamurthy Srinivasa Tantri. Devotees can register for the Navadurga Lekhana Yajna book until October 28. Registration costs Rs 199, which includes participation in the Mangala Gowri Pooja and receiving the Lekhana Sankalpa. The Navadurga Lekhana Yajna book will be released on October 29, alongside the Shri Vagishwari Puja. Devotees will then have 45 days to collect their books with receipts,” Shetty added.

Ragupathi Bhat, president of the Navadurga Lekhana Yajna Committee, stated, “The Lekhana Yajna will officially begin on September 3, with a goal of 99,999 participants. We have arranged the necessary books for this purpose. Following the rituals, devotees will write down nine names each day for nine days. These writings will be collected and stored in the temple during the Vagishwari Puja, followed by an annual pooja ritual. Our committee will travel to raise awareness about the event. Participants can pre-book their spots through our online portal on the Lekhana Yajna page. Each participant will receive a book, a pen, and a bag. They should fill the bag with a fistful of paddy each time they chant the Navadurga mantra.”

The Kapu Sri Hosa Marigudi Temple development committee has assembled a team to oversee the Yajna and Navchandi Yagna.

Led by Ragupathi Bhat, former MLA, the team includes Krishna Prasad Adyanthaya, former president of the Sri Mookambika Temple Management Committee, and Uday Kumar Shetty Muniyal, businessman, as working presidents.

The team also features Vidya Shankar Shetty and Ashok Kumar Shetty as vice presidents, Mahesh Takur as general secretary, K Vishwanath as treasurer, and Sandeep Kumar Manju as coordinator.

Yogish Shetty, chief coordinator of the publicity committee and working president of the Brahmakalashotsava Committee; Harish Shetty, general secretary of the Navadurga Lekhana Yajna Mumbai Unit; Chandrahas Shetty, Mumbai convener; and others were present at the press meet.