Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Apr 19: The Punar Pratishthana and Brahmakalashotsava of the renovated Shree Veerabhadra Adi Temple, Hiriadka which began three days ago will be visited by several stars on Saturday April 21.
The ceremonies which began on April 16 will go on till Wednesday April 25.
Four major religious meetings on the occasion of Brahmakalashotsava are being held - Mathru Sangama on Thursday April 19, Santha Sangama on Friday April 20, Rajadharma Sabhe on Saturday April 21 and Sudharma Sabhe on Sunday April 21.
The last of the four meetings, on April 21, will be a star-studded gathering with Sandalwood actors in attendance. Actor and producer 'Challenging Star' Darshan Thoogudeepa, Srujan Lokesh, famous for his 'Majaa Talkies', film actor and theatre artiste Dhananjay and Yashas Surya are expected to grace the occasion.
The renovation work of the Hiriadka temple was undertaken two years back and several sections including dining hall and a large kitchen were inaugurated last year. This year, Sri Brhamalingeshwara temple sanctorum, Shree Veerabhadra temple sanctorum is being renovated and the temple roof has been covered with silver plates. The works of Padugopura, Yagashale, Swagatha Mantapa and quarters for priests and cooks is in last stage.
Shree Veerabhadra temple, one of the most famous temples of Hiriadka attracts thousands of devotees during grand annual fair held every year in the month of April-May. It is an ancient temple where 'Pancha sgaktis' like Bermaru, Naga, Rakteshwari, Kshetrapala and Mahishantaya were worshipped in earlier days. As per an interesting story, there was no existence of lord Veerabhadra here. He was brought by Adakattaya, who was a chief priest. He was insulted and he took it as challenge of bringing more a powerful god than Brahma. After a long prayer at khandya, Veerabhadra blessed him and came with him to Hiriadka. After travelling for several days he built a temple to God with the help of Alva Hegade and Kurla Hegade family of Anjaru Beedu. A gana shala was constructed to other parivara daivas.
The grand annual fair is held every year between April 16 and 25 and this year the temple has been renovated at the cost of Rs 25 crore. Since the temple is 'Adistana' for six districts in the state, the number of devotees is more here. During Jeernodhara and Brahmakalashotsava of renovated sanctum sanctorum more than 80,000 people are expected to attend the festivities.