Pics: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Sep 2: ‘Mushti Kanike’, a ritual in which a handful of coins are offered to the God by devotees and village elders including temple priests, conveners of local units was held at Sri Kanganabettu Sri Vasuki Naga brahma Abbaga, Daraga Siri and Sri Annappa Panjurli temple, here on Sunday, September 1.

This ritual set the motion to raise funds for comprehensive renovation of the temple at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore.

T Raghavaendra Rao, president of the renovation committee said, “For the renovation work, which is service to God, the villagers have extended their support. Let people continue to support in the same manner.”

Speaking on the occasion, Subrahmanya Bhat, priest, said, “God does not want gold, silver or any wealth from the devotees. He will not be hungry. He is abstract. He wants devotion and dedication from the devotees from pure heart.”

Dinesh Shettigar said, “People are worshipping God by offering whatever they want. There is no value for currency today. Let us pray for the prosperity and development. Let God bless us to complete this renovation work as soon as possible. Let him give strength for the villagers to fulfill the project.”

According to the action plan, a shrine each for Siri, Abbaga, Daraga and Lord Veerabhadra will be built. In the backside of the temple, another shrine will be built for Kshethrapala and Rakteshwari. A spacious Suttu Pauli will be built and there will be space for lord Nandigona in the said Pauli. In the outside of the Pauli, Aruda will be built for Kalkuda and Bobbarya Daivas.

The various Vedic rites were performed by priests, Subrahmanya Bhat, Hayavadana Tantri, Praveen Tanthri and others.

All gathered devotees donated fistful of currency according to their capacity. All people, including children and elderly participated in the ritual.

As part of the Mushti Kanike programme, Ganahoma and Mrutyunjaya homa were conducted in the morning. Later on Mushti Kanike programme was launched by the villagers.

Hayavadana Tantri, Praveen Tanthri, Dinesh Shettigar, secretary of the committee, Ramesh Banger, Anand P Suvarna, businessman, Santhosh Shetty, Prashanth Acharya, Janaradhan Kodavoor, Gopal C Bangera, president Billava Seva Sangha and others were present.