Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Dec 4: The premises of Lord Chennakeshava temple at Gajapura Anagalli near here recently witnessed unique religious rituals. Apart from grand 'Nagamandalotsava', 'Seeta Kalyanotsava' and sacrificing of books on which the Lord's name is written once crore times, were held. Apart from them, perhaps for the first time in the history of the country, Ashtottara Shatayaaga was performed together by lighting 108 sacrificial fire places for the Yajna simultaneously. All the religious procedures connected therein concluded on December 3. Along with the Poornahuti of this Yaaga, 'Sarvajanika Maha Nagamandalotsava' was also performed.

Unique Yaagas were performed everyday since November 23. Gramotsava, Brahmakalashotsava for Lord Chennakeshava, Suvarna Jyoti puja, Bhajans, Mangalotsava of Nama Lekhana Mahayajna etc were held.

'Suvarna Jyoti' is a unique process in which 108 Durga Mandalas are drawn separately. After installing 108 lamps there and decorating the place, 108 people dressed in Indian attire invoke the divine form within them into the lights of the lamps. People from all castes and walks of life could participate in this process.

Rigveda spread over eight Ashtaks in eight fireplaces, Yajarveda of five Ashtaks in eight fireplaces, Samagana and Havana Samaveda in three fire places each were held.

Yaagas as per Atharva Veadas were performed through experts for the installation of the religion and righteousness in the world.

On December 1, programmes like Rudraghana recitation, Utsava Murthy Nartana, followed by Seeta Kalyana in the evening were held. On December 2, several rituals were performed, followed by Maha Sudarshana Home in the evening. On that night, Poornachandra Yakshagana Mela presented 'Rajya Harishchandra' episode. On December, Ashtottara Shata Virat Mahayajna Sangama and grand Nagamandalotsava were held.

Sri Raghaveshwara Bharatiteertha Swamiji of Ramachandrapur Math, Ashottara Shata Kalahastendra Saraswati Swamiji of Anugundi Math Katapadi, G Bheemeshwar Joshi, trustee of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari temple and other religious leaders participated and delivered benedictory addresses.

The performances cost the organizers over two crore rupees. Community feast had been arranged on all day. People from Anagalli village took part enthusiastically in the proceeding.

Chief convener of Sarvajanika Nagamandalotsava Samiti,Chennakeshava Gayatri Bhat, president, A Gopal Ganiga, reception committee president, Prof Shankar Rao Kalavara, office bearers of the committee, office bearers, workers and villagers came together and worked hard for the success of this programme.