Udupi: Locals join hands to renovate Kodavoor Temple
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Feb 6: Kodavoor Shankernarayana Temple is a perfect example to prove that if there is unity, acceptance and harmony among the locals, they can build a temple on their own.
The Temple which depicts ancient history coupled with sublime religious culture is being renovated at a cost of more than Rs 2 crore. A large number of people from both the village and outside have come to the Temple to lend a helping hand with the renovation work. The number of workers increases by four to five folds during holidays.
School children, women and various like-minded groups in the village participate as kar sevaks with enthusiasm. Only carving work on wood or stones are carried out by professionals.
It is said that the Temple diety Shankernarayana grants what we pray for. The Temple was built in the ninth century and historical records mention that Madhwacharya had visited the place in Sumadvavijaya.
Separate artistic rooms are built for Ganapathi and Durgaparameshwari. The altars of Anjaneya, Ishwara, Brahma, Shastara, Nandikeshwara, Kshetra pala, Navagrahagudi and Mallikarjuna have been renovated.
People of all religions regardless of caste, creed and politics are participating in the renovation work. It shows the harmony among the people.
People have said that they do not get tired doing the work. Santosh Shetty and Dr Jitesh Shetty say that they feel as though something is lost if they do not participate in the work.
When the old Temple was demolished for renovation, many fishermen had come to the Temple to pray as there was scarcity of fish. They have had a large catch of fish the next day. So the fishermen have promised a large amount as their contribution.
MLA Pramod Madhwaraj has promised government and personal aid in the work. Help from devotees also has come. Several religious, cultural and other programmes are scheduled from February 27 to March 9 to raise funds. Pratishte will be held on March 3, Brahmakalasha on March 6 and Rathotsava on March 8.
Ever since the renovation work was started, a couple of bulls have started staying in the Temple. The bulls go around the Temple during the day and come to the Temple at night.
The renovation of Kodavoor Shankernarayana Temple is a service to the people, by the people. The work on renovation has continued unhindered since day one.