Pics: Umesh Marpalli/Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, May 13: MLA Pramod Madhwaraj offered his prayers for rain by visiting temple, mosque and church on Friday May 13 in Udupi.
MLA Madhwaraj, first, visited to Jamia Masjid at 5:00 pm and offered his prayer with the instruction of Maulana Rasheed Ahmed Nadvi. Syed Yaseen, president, Kaleel Ahmad, secretary, Jamia Masjid and others were present during his visit.
He then proceeded to Chandramouleshwar temple, Anantheshwar temple by 5:30 pm. Temple priest conducted the puja rituals in two temples in the holy presence of Paryaya Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.
MLA offered tender coconut (Bondabhisheka) to Lord Shiva of Ananteshwar temple seeking divine intervention for rain.
Speaking on the occasion, Pejawar Swamiji said, “I have been doing ‘Parjany Japa’ for the last three to four days for rain. Let the world prosper with water and greenery.”
Fr Fred Muscaranhus, dean of Udupi deanery also led a short prayer at Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi. Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo was also present.
“God created man and has provided resources. Man has exploited it and now he is facing problems." said Fr Fred quoting the Bible.
"At this point, let us gather as one and forget religious barriers and pray to God for rain,” the Bishop said.
Speaking to media persons, MLA Pramod Madhwaraj said, “I decided to offer special prayer for rain in the holy places three days back. Congress-led Chief Minister Siddaramaiah government has completed three successful years today. In my previous term, I had never seen such water shortage in city.”
“There was 2.17 meters of water reported at Baje dam and this afternoon it came down to 2.15 meters. This shows that the shower of rain in last few days was not enough. Representative of people could not do anything about rain at present. God’s grace is only way out from this problem now. In future, we need to take preventive measures so that water shortage does not reoccur.”
On the third anniversary of Congress-led state government, he said, “Offering prayer for rain is an apt way to celebrate the third anniversary of the Congress-led state government. Congress party has done its best in state by providing good service to society.”
All members of city municipality council Udupi, party members and devotees paid their respect to god. CMC commissioner Manjunathayya, president Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, vice-president Sandhya Thilak raj, Amrith Shenoy and others were present.