Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 20: Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, Uchila Bramakalasha Punyotsava concluded after 15 long days with the Chathuha Pavithra Nagamandala on Friday, April 15. Other religious rituals were also conducted including installation of associated idols like Sri Prasanna Ganapati, Bhadrakali, Sri Nagadeva, Punar Bimba Pratishtapane of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, Ashtabandha Kalashotsava.
During the consecration ceremony as many as 108 kalashabhisheka was held at Naga Sannidhi (shrine).
All the religious rituals were performed under the guidance of Vidwan Kukkikatte Raghavendra Thantri, Venkata Narasimha Upadhyaya and Raghavendra Upadhyaya, senior priests of the temple, and vasthu expert Vidwan Subrahmanya Bhat Gundibailu.
Over 7 to 8 lac of devotees visited the temple during 15 days of celebration not only from the undivided Dakshina Kannada but also from far off places including abroad to get the grace of deity. More than 10, 000 devotees took part in the festival every day. Lunch and dinner were arranged for the devotees by the temple committee.
Various associations, organisations extended support and additional police forces were deployed at the temple in order to maintain law and order.
Many political and religious leaders visited the temple including Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji, Pejawar Math, Araga Jnanendra, state home minister, D K Shivakumar, president, KPCC, Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji, Palimaru math and many others.
Here is a brief of the 15 days celebrations:
Friday, April 1- grand Horekanike Shobhayathra
Monday, April 4 - Bimba Suddhi and Aranijanithagni Vaishnavatva Karma
Wednesday April 6 - Bimba prathishtapana of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi
Saturday April 9 - Brahmakumbhabisheka conducted followed by Brahmakalasha punyotsava and Lakshmi Hrudaya yaga. 108 kalashabhishekas to Lord Ganapati and Bhadrakali. Nyasa Pooje, Avasruta Bali and Palla Pooje
Wednesday, April 13 - grand annual Rathotsava
Thursday, April 14 , morning Chandikayaga and Udaya bali Thulabara seve was held along with other rituals in the evening.
On Friday 15, on the last day, Chatur Pavithra Nagamandalotsava, Halittu Seve and Mandala Kalpokta Pooje were held by Nagapathri Vedamurthy Kallangala Ramachandra Kunjitha, Vaidyanatheshwara Damarumela Mudduru, Krishnaprasad Vaidya, Balakrishna Vaidya, Nataraj Vaidya and the team.
South Wharf Fishing Trawler Association, Mangaluru offered a chain designed like gold fish weighing 400 grams to Sri Mahalakshmi during the Brahmakalashotsava.
All the religious rituals concluded with Samprokshana Punyotsava and Mathrakshathe on Saturday, April 16.
On the last day, Nadoja Dr G Shankar, president, Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha Brahmakalasotsava Committee was conferred with ‘Sri Mahalakshmi Anugraha’ award as part of the Punar Prathishte and Brahmakalasha Punyotsava of the temple.
There were cultural programmes organized by the committee in the evening. Famous artistes, professional cultural teams from other states performed during the 15 days of the event. Drama, folk dance, devotional hymns, orchestra and many such performances were showcased by the artists.
Nadoja G Shankar, honourary president, temple renovation committee, Gundu Amin, president, temple renovation committee, Jaya C Kotian, president, Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, Vasudeva Salian, president, temple administration board, and others were present on the occasion.