Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 13: Bannanje Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, revered by devotees across eight traditional regions (Maganes), is all set to host the grand Ashtabandha Brahmakalashotsava from April 16 to 20 with religious fervour and cultural grandeur.
B Madhav Poojary, president Temple Management Committee, addressing the media during the press conference held on April 13 at temple premises, said, “The temple underwent Punarpratishta in 2013 and following the customary 12-year cycle, the Ashtabandha Brahmakalashotsava is being held in 2026 with great devotion and splendor.”
Highlighting a key initiative B Madhav Poojary announced a Budhana (land donation) initiative as part of the celebration. Due to limited parking space, the temple plans to expand its premises by acquiring 36 cents of land on its southern and eastern sides.
Devotees can contribute by sponsoring land at Rs 2,000 per square foot or by purchasing donation coupons ranging from Rs 1,001 to Rs 5,000. Devotees are also encouraged to take donation boxes, collect offerings daily, and return them within a year.
As part of the festivities, a grand Hasiru Horekanike procession will be held featuring over 200 vehicles and vibrant tableaux. The procession will be flagged off by Dr Nadoja G Shankar, honorary advisor of the Brahmakalashotsava Committee. MLA Yashpal Suvarna, MLC Dr Arathi Krishna, and entrepreneur Prasadraj Kanchan will be present on the occasion.
The Brahmakalashotsava rituals will take place on April 20 at 9.15 am. On the same day, Maha Annasantharpane will be conducted from 12.30 pm, with halu payasam sponsored by Bhuvanendra Kediyoor, proprietor of Hotel Kediyoor.
From April 16 to 19, a series of religious rituals including Ganapathi Homa, Bhooshuddhi, Vasthu Pooja, Chandika Homa, and Kalashabhisheka will be performed. The committee has arranged daily annasantharpane for around 5,000 devotees throughout the five-day event. Cultural and formal programs will be held every evening after 6.30 pm.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy, several competitions have been organised. A state-level dance competition ‘Nruthyom – 2026’ will be held on April 17 from 3 pm. This will be followed by a drawing competition ‘Shivaprerana Chitrakala Sparda’ on April 18 from 3 pm to 5 pm, and a Mehendi and Rangoli competition ‘Madarangotsava’ on April 19 at 10 am.
The press conference was attended by Ramesh Kanchan, convener Brahmakalashotsava Committee; P Shashikanth Tantri, chief Tantri; P Vasudev Upadyay, temple priest; Management committee members Dinesh Putran, M Prabhakar Shetty, Shekar Shetty, U Sudesh Shet, Rajesh B, Vidyalatha U Shetty, Shamitha S Bhandary and Raviraj.