By Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
Udupi, Jan 15: ‘Nagamandala’, an English book on Naga worship authored by Dr N Tirumalesh Bhat, was released in a function held at MGM College Regional Janapad Study Centre, on Friday January 14.
Tulunadu folk arts scholar K L Kundantaya, in his keynote address, said that despite the splendor of modern times, Nagamandala celebrations are not deviating from the original form of ‘Nagaradhana’.
“Nagaradhana is exemplified in the worship of Mother Nature, original art, and true devotion. Man has not only worshipped Naga but also worshipped Deivvas and this is still in practiced in Tulunadu; hence there are several Deivvastanas all over. Even today, if anyone sees a dead serpent, he will approach the temple priest to perform a specific puja to Naga. The residents of Tulunadu have a strong belief in Naga worship since ancient times,” he added.
Sagri Gopalakrishna Samaga, ‘Nagapatri’ (Naga celebrant), after releasing the book, said that despite mega industries being in the process of setting up their bases in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, whenever authorities find any hindrance to the work, they seek the help of temple priests to identify the ‘Nagadosha’ and remedy it”, he said.
Arvind Hegde of Kodyadka Annapoorneshwari Temple, released ‘Prasanga 40’, a book published by MGM College Regional Janapad Study Centre on the same occasion. MGM Education Trust chairman T Mohandas Pai presided over the programme.
MGM College principal Professor Venkataramana Gowda honoured the author Dr Bhat, ace photographer Yajna Mangalore, Nataraj Vaidya, Balakrishna Vaidya, Savita Shantapriya, Vasudev Bhat, and Govind Shetty on the occasion.
Dr Ashok Alva welcomed the gathering. Muralidar Nempu proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Putthi Vasant Kumar compered the programme.