By John B Monteiro

Mangaluru, Sep 19: On September 17, 2019 Vishwakarmis of two coastal districts, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, took out a procession with a tableau of Sri Vishwakarma Parabrahm from Mannagudda Gurji junction to Sri Kalikamba Vinayaka temple on Car Street, Mangalore. This annual ritual Vishwakarma Jayanthi coincides with Kannya Sancramana, generally 16/17 September. A special feature this year is its inauguration by newly designated district in-charge minsiter Kota Srinivas Poojary. There was extra enthusiasm in this year’s celebration because the temple seems to be on the threshold of expansion and renovation. Before we come to these developments, it is interesting to trace the origin and growth of this craft-community-supported temple.

One of the highlights of its more recent history was that the Vishwakarma Samavesha Samithi of undivided Dakshina Kannada District held a convention on February 27, 2005 at Nehru Maidan to ventilate the problems of the artisan community and seek relief from the authorities. Traditionally the artisans had the patronage of royalty and local chieftains. But, in modern times, there have been shrinking opportunities to earn a living through work. Among the reasons are import of readymade jewellery, the use of cement, concrete, aluminium and fibre-based doors and windows, instead of wood-based, in construction, production by machines in factories, instead of home-based workshops, and factory-made agricultural implements replacing traditional ones.

While the Vishwakarmis addressed their problems to the rulers of the day, they turn to Mangaluru’s Shri Kalikamba Vinayaka Temple for spiritual solace and community bonding. This temple and its Gurumutt, located in the Car Street area, is said to be one thousand years old. According to oral tradition, a sculptor belonging to the Vishwa Brahmin community, Bhujangacharya, established the temple by installing the image of Devi. Every five years, an assembly of Vishwakarmis representing eight towns and ten leaders from Mangalore select the administrators (Mokteshwar) of the temple. The latest election was held on December 12, 2017 and subsequently the present Mokteshwar, K Keshavachar of Mangalore, has taken charge from January 18, 2018.

Though Vishwa Brahmins are honest, hardworking and law-abiding community, their economic status has progressively declined over the years. Even so, they supported the upkeep of Kalikamba Vinayaka Temple through their modest contributions. There have been instances of maintaining the daily rituals and annual celebrations even by borrowings. Apart from Mangaluru city, the eight towns falling within the jurisdiction of the temple are Moodbidri, Bantwal, Nandavara, Ullal, Manjeshwar, Panambur, Haleyangady and Mulki. Villages have their own artisan communities headed by Mokteshwars. There were about 260 such village community Mokteshwars rendering service to the temple. The geographic jurisdiction of the temple extends to Hejmadi in the north, Charmadi in the east, Manjeshwar in the south and the Arabian Sea to the west.

Many stalwarts of the community have helped in the progress of the temple through incremental renovation, expansion and adornment of the deities. These include the official Mokteshwars, leading artisans and businessmen of the community. Among those who chipped in with help in the development of the temple complex include Vishwa Brahmana Mahila Samithi, youth volunteers under the banner of Kalikamba Seva Samithi and artisans working for Canara Jewellers’ workshop. Incidentally, It is notable that the highest state dignitary to visit the temple was the then President of India, Giani Zail Singh.

It is interesting to go back to 125 years and recall the description of the community by John Stuart in his District Manual on South Canara, published in 1894. According to him, “Artisans in Canara are generally of Canarese than Tulu origin, as they mostly speak Canarese and follow the ordinary rule of inheritance, but this is no doubt partly due to their not being land-owning classes. They wear a sacred thread like the Brahmins, but it is believed their pretensions are due to increasing prosperity within comparatively recent times”. The following, according to Stuart, are the principal castes in this group. Akkasale and Sonar (goldsmiths), Kammara (blacksmiths), Kanchugara (braziers), Kalkatta (masons), Cheptagar, Colayari, Charodi, Gudigar and Muvvari (all carpenters.)

Akkasales are goldsmiths of Tulu origin, but a number of them work in brass, iron and wood also. In their customs and manners they closely resemble Shivalli Brahmins. Sonar or Sonagara, is another goldsmith class. They speak Konkani and are believed to have come from Goa. Chaptegaras are carpenters who also speak Konkani and are believed to have come from the Konkan region. Gudigaras are a Canarese caste of wood carvers and painters. Kanchugaras are also a Canarese caste of brass workers. They are Hindus of the Vaishnava sect and pay special reverence to Lord Venkatramana of Tirupati.

Now the Car Street-located temple seems to be on revival path. This year’s celebration was on a higher note. Apart from government financial support, generous horekanikes could raise the level of celebrations. According to a temple source, expansions and renovation at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore are planned. These include installation wooden dwajasthamba, 60ft tall, presently being fashioned in Shimoga district, Brhammaratha, Mahabalipita, etc., which are projected to be executed over the next one year or so.