Kundapur: Scores of devotees flock to Sri Kundeshwara Lakshadeepotsava
Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Dec 3: When we think of Kundapur, the first thing that comes to our mind is Sri Kundeshwara, the presiding deity of Kundapur. The deity has a history of several centuries and has remained in the hearts of thousands of devotees. He removes obstacles from their lives and has become a guide for them.
Kundapur is a land of temples. Kundeshwara who has remained in the heart of the town is the chief of deities. Kundapur has got the name Kundapur from him.
Dakshina Kannada gazetteer mentions that king Kundavarma had built his empire near Panchagangavali. Historical books state that prior to Portuguese arrival in Kundapur, it was under the rule of Kundavarma, a small king. To supplement it, Veerapandya who ruled the town in the eleventh and twelfth century mentioned the name of Kundapur in his decree. It is assumed that Kundapur has an age old history in view of the findings.
The temple built to the east of the sea, has large enclosures, an altar in front of the main entrance, a Nandi pandal and a Garbhagriha in between them. While these and other items in the temple increase its beauty, it is unique to see bali stone but no flagpost in it.
The temple is built with black stone and looks strong. A path is built to walk round the square shaped Garbha gudi. The entrance is made out of stone. The walls are built with ordinary and murra stones. The part of Somasutra for flow of Theertha is made simple and has sharply cut tip.
Shivalinga is prepared by Rudraksha stone and the outside portion is rough. The head looks flat like a beam cut across. It looks unique.
Kundeshwara lake is renovated in a scientific manner. Special arrangements are made to watch festivals such as Theppotsava. A statue of meditating Shiva is built and decorated with electric lights. Shiva’s meditating posture by the lake side is breathtaking.
Festival of lights
Kundeshwara Deepotsava is one of the most important of celebrations in Kundapur. The festival of lights that takes place during the new moon has a unique significance. It has become popular because most of the people in the town participate in it. There are special prayers and rituals on that day. A feast of cultural programmes is held in the evenings. The feast consists of festival of lights, music, dance, drama, Yakshagana and such other cultural programmes.
The procession that follows after the cultural programmes continues till 5 am the next day. The procession continues with several attractions. It starts from the temple, takes a turn near the new bus stand, proceeds through town municipal road and national highway till Geleyara balaga. It then reaches Car street of the temple. There is no other festival here that is celebrated in such grandeur.