Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (HB)
Udupi Jun 9: The Brahmakalashotsava of renovated Kadiyali Sri Mahishamardini Temple concluded with Rathotsava on its eighth day on Wednesday June 8.
Kadiyali Sri Mahishamardini temple is one of the oldest temples and has a history of 1,200 years.
The temple committee had made elaborate arrangements for the devotees to get the Darshan of the goddess. Additional police personnel were appointed to look after the security at the place. Thousands of devotees witnessed the religious Brahmakalashotsava. The religious rituals were held at the temple, which began in the early morning at 5, under the guidance of Padigaru Srinivasa Thanthri, Vidvan Subrahmany Bhat Gundibilu, a vastu expert and other priests of the temple.
The whole temple was decked up with flowers and a beautiful arch made of vegetables was set up at the entrance of the temple, which was the centre of attraction. A huge crowd of devotees thronged to the temple till night. The devotees offered their gifts to the goddess with all devotion in the form of flowers and donations.
In the morning, Punyahavachana, Ganayàga, Kalashabhibhisheka, Panchadurga Manthrahoma was performed. The Brahmakalasha ritual was held at 7.50 am on Mithuna lagna muhoortham. Mahapooja for the goddess Devi Sri Mahishamardini was held at 10.30 am. Followed by this, palla pooje and Bali utsava were also held.
During the event, while entering into garbhagudi, flower petals poured from the top on Bali utsava peertha, where the goddess’ idol was placed on peetha, which was an auspicious moment for the devotees. Lord Garuda (eagle) appeared on the top of the temple at the time of bali utsava in the afternoon. There is a belief in Hindu custom that if Garuda appears in the sky at the same time, the religious rituals will go on smoothly. It is said to be a positive sign and blessing.
More than 50,000 devotees thronged to the temple to take the blessings of Goddess Mahishamardini. Around 1,500 sets of jasmine flowers were offered to the goddess by the devotees. This will be used during Shayanotsava at night, during the ekantha seve.
Followed by the Bali utsava, Anna-Prasadam was arranged for devotees. Around 35,000-40000 devotees participated in the mid-day meal. Pancha-bhakshya (sweets) paramanna and a variety of cuisines were served for meals. Three separate counters were set up with buffet system for the general public and VIPs.
A free bus service was arranged for the devotees from the city bus stand. Vehicle parking was arranged at MGM ground and near Sharada Kalyana mantapa. Over 1,500 volunteers and scouts and guides students joined to serve the mid-day meal, drinking water, distributing Prasadam and to make the arrangements. More than 120 cooks were involved in preparing meals, day and night every day. Manjunath Hebbar led the team.
A cultural programme was organized in the evening.
Large number of crowds came from different parts of the district. It is said that more than 1.25 lac people visited the temple till June 8. The whole day's event concluded with Rangapooje and Rathotsava.
Dr Katte Raviraj Acharya, president, Kadiyali temple management board, Nagesh Hegde, president, renovation committee of the temple, Purushottam P Shetty, president, Brahmakalashotsava committee, K Nityananda Kamath, general secretary, Raghavendra Kini, general secretary, leaders like Jayakar Shetty Indrali, director, Karnataka State Cooperative Federation, Bengaluru, Shyamala Kundar, member, National Commission for Women, MLA Raghupati Bhat, Manjunath Hebbar and CMC councillors were present.