Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, May 3: At the 43rd customary annual mass marriage function organized under the aegis of Dharmasthala Shree Manjunatheshwara Temple at Dharmasthala on Friday May 2, 142 couples became man and wife at the auspicious moment of ‘Godhooli Lagnam’ which occurred at 6.45 pm.
State minister, K Abhaychandra Jain, speaking on the occasion, extended his best wishes to the newlyweds for a bright future and fruitful wedded life, besides advising them to lead a cultured life and become well-behaved and decent citizens of the society.
Former speaker of state legislative council, B L Shankar, felt that the concept of mass marriage has been able to inspire people to sink caste and religious differences and achieve social equality and harmonious relationship. He felt that these mass marriages, which are held free of cost and in a simple way, help the society to achieve revolutionary transformation as compared to individual marriages, which are used as forums to showcase prestige and wealth.
Shankar also requested Maths, temples, and seats of Gurus to provide guidance to the society on an ongoing basis, to enable people of the society to coexist harmoniously and follow path of principles.
Former minister, Govind Karjol, and MLA, Vasant Bangera, also extended their blessings and best wishes to the participants.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, felt that the sacredness attached to marital life is being diluted now-a-days because of blind aping of western culture. He lamented at the increasing incidence of differences of opinions and other problems between couples, which are a byproduct of the western influence. He told the brides and grooms that marriages are held not for fun, but to lead a meaningful life.
Noting that mass marriage schemes encourage people to get inspired to lead a simple life, he gratefully acknowledged the support being extended by Birla Foundation Kolkata to the annual mass marriage initiative of the temple every year. He also noted that a number of donors are getting a sense of fulfillment by donating saris, Mangala Sutras, and financial assistance for this initiative.
Mahesh and Mangala, working for Shree Dharmasthakla Manjunatheshwara Rural Development Project at Mysore, who tied the nuptial knots here, drew special attention at the marriage function. 11 of the marriages happened to be inter-caste ones. Coolies, privately employed persons, drivers, farmers, and others, were among those who got married here.
On behalf of the organizers, dhoti and shawl were presented to the groom, while sari, blouse piece, and Mangala Sootra were given to the bride. After the function, the couples had the darshan of the Lord before having food at the temple dining hall and returning to their places.
Hemavathi V Heggade, D Harshendra Kumar, and Shraddha Amit, were present.