Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 21: The grand religious meeting 'Mathru Sangama' held at Sri Veerabhadra temple, Hiriyadka, here on Friday April 19 was attended by hundreds of devotees.

A beautiful Shobhayathra commenced from three places simultaneously during the fourth day of Brahmakalashotsava. The processions from Kothna Katte, Madhav Mangala and Hiriyadka School united at the gopura of the temple.

Honorary chief editor of Taranga weekly magazine, Sandhya S Pai presided over the programme. “In the ancient era, God did not have an image. Later, some intellectuals realized the existence of supernatural power on earth and installed an icon (idol) to worship this power. Renovation or rejuvenation of temple concept was introduced to keep the memories of the spiritual power on earth,” she said.

“When we dedicate our soul and mind to the image of God, we get peace of mind. Our dreams will be fulfilled. Everyone should start practicing this in everyday life. Parents should start creating curiosity about god among their children. Definitely, they will start to adopt this practice. Only then, they can experience god in them,” she advised.

In a special talk organised on the occasion, eminent writer and researcher Dr Indira Hegde said, “Women have got more priority in Hiriyadka because of the religious importance of this place. Devotees are gathering here from different places to seek prosperity in life and to solve problems of fertility. This is one of the most important 'Alade' in Udupi”.

She spoke on Siri, the spiritual deity in Tulunadu region. “Siri is a spiritual power depicted in the form of a woman, who has courage to face any hurdles in life. She never bows down her head in front of anybody to seek help. There were queens who ruled on this earth. But still women were not allowed to ‘nyaya chavadi’, it is still in practice. But I did not get any answer for this practice till today. Why women have all these restrictions?

“Who will carry forward all these puranas, moral messages to the next generation? The stories in the epics were twisted as time changed.

“Siri is a model for all women. Let women be thoughtful about whatever they have studied. Let them reflect on that topic. Let us think how women can grow at the level of men, instead of worrying about simple issues,” opined Indira Hegde.

Manorama Krishna Shetty of Kairali Hosamene was felicitated on the occasion.

Sudha Kamath, Vani Govardhan Das Hegde, Krishna Bai among others were present.

There were religious rituals like Homa, Tathva Kalabhisheka, Shayya Kalpane and other pujas performed in the morning.

Charitha Shetty welcomed the gathering. Poornima Suresh Naik compered the programme.