Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 18: A rare and spiritually significant Maha Rudra Yaga will be held at the Kodavoor Sri Shankaranarayana Temple from May 14 to 19, under the leadership of Prasad Raj Kanchan, with the objective of universal welfare and prosperity.
Addressing a press conference held at the temple premises on April 18, Prasad Raj Kanchan, working president of the Maha Rudrayaga Committee, briefed about the series of religious, cultural, and social programmes planned as part of the event.
Alongside the core religious rituals, a wide range of activities including cultural programmes, entertainment events, traditional sports, a health camp, and a mega job fair have been organised. From May 10 to May 20, the temple surroundings will host amusement rides, games, exhibitions, and sales stalls for public enjoyment.
As a prelude to the yaga, a grand Horekanike procession will be held on May 14 from Malpe to the Kodavoor temple premises in the presence of dignitaries.
The main rituals, including Maha Rudra Yaga and Gana Yaga, will commence on May 15, followed by the inauguration of religious and cultural programmes in the evening.
A free health camp is being organized on May 16, and the public has been urged to make the most of this opportunity.
On May 17, traditional sports competitions will be held at Malpe Beach. In the evening at 6 pm, devotees can witness the sacred Ganga Aarti performed by priests from Varanasi at the Malpe seashore. Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar is expected to participate in this programme. Later at 8 pm, renowned South Indian singer Mangli will present a special devotional musical performance.
A mega job fair is organized on May 18, with participation from companies across the country. Job seekers, especially youth, are encouraged to take part and take benefits.
The Maha Rudra Yaga will conclude on May 19 with the Poornahuti ceremony. In a special initiative to encourage local talent, a program titled “Pratibhe Nimmadu Vedike Nammadu” (Your Talent, Our Stage) will be held daily from 5 pm to 8 pm at the exhibition venue. Interested participants can register at the Maha Rudra Yaga committee office.
Throughout the five-day event, renowned artists will present daily religious and cultural programmes. Arrangements have also been made for annaprasada for devotees every day. Additionally, around 5,000 women will be given an opportunity to participate in the Maha Rudra Yaga Sankalpa. Interested participants can register their names at the committee office.
On the occasion, the event poster and a promotional vehicle were officially launched.
The press conference was attended by temple priest Vadiraja Tantri, president of Management Committee Sri Shankarnarayana Temple Prakash Kodavoor, Taranath Poojary, Ramesh S Thingalaya, Balakrishna Kodavoor, Vadiraja Salian, Dr Vijayendra, Bajana Committee convener Dananjay Malpe, and committee members.