Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Sep 4: It is common for wealthy individuals to donate towards the development and maintenance of temples. However, it is rare for someone to save money collected through begging and donate it to a temple. Ashwathamma, a resident of Kanchugodu in Gangolli, is one such rare donor who often surprises people with her generosity. She recently donated Rs 1.16 lac, which she had collected through begging, to the Laxminarayana Temple in Kundapur.

A devout follower of Sabarimala, this elderly woman has made similar donations to six other temples. Her philanthropic journey began with a donation of Rs 1.5 lac to her hometown temple in Kanchugodu. She has since donated Rs 1.5 lac each to the Anegudde Kumbhashi Temple, Mangaladevi Temple, Bappanadu Temple, and Polali Temple. Additionally, she donated Rs 1 lac to the Bhojana Nidhi (food fund) of Shri Guru Narasimha Temple in Sali village, Brahmavar taluk. Ashwathamma strongly believes that offering food is the highest form of charity.

A dedicated devotee of Sabarimala, Ashwathamma started begging after the death of her husband and son. She visits Sabarimala annually, adhering to the traditional vows. Over the years, she has donated Rs 1 lac for food distribution at Pampa, a sacred site near Sabarimala, and Rs 30,000 to Pandalam, another important pilgrimage site. When asked about the total amount she has donated, she humbly says, "I do not keep track; it is not mine to give—it is what Swami has blessed me with, and I am merely offering it back to him." During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also made vows for the well-being of the country and the removal of the darkness that had enveloped Sabarimala.

Despite her age, Ashwathamma continues to beg at various temple premises and the Sasthan tollgate, keeping only what she needs for her personal expenses and donating the rest to temples. Her selfless acts have left many in awe of her generosity.