Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 30:Thousands of devotees witnessed and offered prayers at the recently held annual festival of Kachchoor Sri Maltidevi Babbuswamy temple near Barkur at a grand religious function.

Former Udupi MLA, K Raghupati Bhat inaugurated the formal function by lighting the lamp.

Addressing the gathering Bhat said, "There is definitely a spiritual power in this holy place. That is why people from all over the district gather here to seek blessings. I am very happy to be part of this event and I extend my support for the Mundala community for their integrated development."

Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi, president, Bantara Yane Nadavara Sangha speaking on the occasion said, "The Sri Kachchoor Maltidevi, Babbuswamy temple has a century back history. Many people have extended their hands to help in the overall development of the temple. I am a huge devotee of Babbuswamy."

"Inspite of the facilities provided to the Mundala community by the government, the people are lagging behind by not using making use of those benefits properly. But no one knows the exact reason for this. People from other communities have entered into political, educational and other fields, but this is not so with the Mundala community? The public must make use of the opportunities provided by the government and more and more Mundal people must shine in various service fields." Rai said.

There were cultural programmes held in the evening by famous artistes followed by a stage function.

The three day festival culminated with religious fervour. Various poojas namely 'Ashlesha bali', 'Kalashabhisheka', 'Gendotsava', 'darshana seve', 'Tulabhara seve' were performed at the temple premises for the annual fest.

A maha Annasantarpana was held on Sunday January 22.

P Babu, president, Administration board, presided over the programme.

Yashpal Suvarna, president, Fish Federation, Baikady Suprasad Shetty, former president, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Sowmya Sanjeeva, president, Kaup Municipality, S Devraj, district manager, Dr B R Ambedkar Development Commission, Shivraj Mallar, Padma Ramdas, retired teacher, Shekhar Rangankere, temple head, Vittal office bearers and others were present.