Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Dec 11: “With Sri Veerabhadra Temple, Hiriadka, getting ready for Prathishta Brahmakalashotsava scheduled to be held from April 16 to 26, 2018, the foundation stone laying ceremony for a sanctuary of Lord Brahmalingeshwara temple inside the temple will be held on December 14,” informed Govardhandas Hegde, working president of the temple development committee.

Addressing media on Sunday, December 11, he said, “Sri Veerabhadra Temple renovation committee is undertaking the renovation works of this ancient temple since two years. Adi Brahmasthana of Sri Kshethra, Adi Nagasthana, Rajagopura, Nagarigopura, Vasantha Mantapa, Parivara Ganashale, Vyaghra Chamundi Gudi, spacious dining room with kitchen, and wedding hall building were started during the last annual fest on the occasion of Kalashotsava.

“Now the devotees of the temple and committee members are working hard for the completion of Padugopura, Yaga shale, installing new Dhvaja Stambha (pillar for flag), Suttu Pauli made by white stone and Ambela, attractive welcome pandal and accommodation building for priests,” he said.

Natraj, organizing secretary said, “We are giving more importance to architecture (vastu shilpa). The villagers and devotees are rendering service voluntarily. Over 350 to 400 people from all age groups are helping us. On next Thursday, the ritual will begin at around 11.50 am.

“The total cost of the renovation of temple is Rs 25 crore. Rs 12.5 crore has been spent on various construction work so far. Rs 75 lac has been released out of Rs 1.25 crore to develop the lake under irrigation project. Rs 15 lac will be released by the government soon,” he said.

“The committee has planned to bring uniqueness in the design of the temple. Prasad Punja and Subrahmanya is the architect. Harish Acharya is the wood sculpture and Raju Nayaka is also working for designing the temple,” he added.

B Laxminarayana Tantry, priest of the temple, Sathyendra Pai, Somanath Shetty, secretary, Vasu Prabhu, Rajaram and Raghavendra were present.

Sri Veerabhadra Temple is a sacred place for devotees of Veerabhadra, Brahma and Siri Daivas. It is one of the most famous temples in Hiriadka. The temple is situated 15 kms from Udupi and 24 kms from Karkala. People from all over Udupi and Karnataka come over here to attend the annual fair held in the month of April-May.