Harshini Brahmavar
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (DC)
Udupi, Apr 15: The villages and devotees of Hiriadka are keenly awaiting Punar Pratishtana and grand Brahmakalashothsava of the renovated Shree Veerabhadra Adi Temple to be held on Monday April 16. The various rituals ahead of Brahmakalashothsava will continue till April 25.
Four major religious meetings on the occasion of Brahmakalashotsava would be held in the evening such as Mathru Sangama on Thursday April 19, Santha sangama on Friday April 20, Rajadharma Sabhe on Saturday April 21 and Sudharma Sabhe on Sunday April 21.
As part of the celebrations, Hindustani music performance by Fayaz Khan and team, and noted vocalist P Praveen Godkindi and team will entertain the crowd. A violin concert by famous violinists Mysuru Manjunath and Nagraj has been organised. Apart from that, Odissi dance by Madhulita Mohapatra is also organized. Everyday there will be cultural programmes along with religious rituals.
Hiriadka, a town in Udupi district of Karnataka is surrounded by beautiful temples. The literal meaning of Hiriadka is ‘Big Religious Place’. Hiriadka is also known as Periyadka. Veerabhadhra Adi temple which is in Hiriadka is a sacred place devoted to Veerabhadra, Brahma, and Siri Daivas.
Shree Veerabhadra temple, one of the most famous temples of Hiriadka is situated 15 km away from Udupi and 24 km from Karkala. It attracts thousands of devotees during grand annual fair held every year in the month of April-May.
This was one of the main alade (head for daivas) or holy places for the Tulu empire. The devotees come from Udupi, Mangaluru, Uttara Kannada, Shimogga and Chikkamagaluru. Lord Brahmalingeshwara and Veerabhadra swami are the main gods and other Parivara daivas are also worshipped here. The temple is managed by Alva Hegade and Kurla Hegade family as a heritage place. Earlier it was a Dharmastha punyakeshtra, where devotees used to offer kanike (money) here, instead of going to Dharmasthala. It a holy place to take oath (promises) and decisions. People believe that this is one of the most powerful temples to express their feelings and desire gets fulfilled.
Shree Veerabhadra temple has a glorious history. It is an ancient temple where 'Pancha sgaktis' like Bermaru, Naga, Rakteshwari, Kshetrapala and Mahishantaya were worshipped in earlier days. As per an interesting story, there was no existence of lord Veerabhadra here. He was brought by Adakattaya, who was a chief priest. He was insulted and he took it as challenge of bringing more powerful god than Brahma. After a long prayer at khandya, Veerabhadra blessed him and came with him to Hiriadka. After travelling for several days he built a temple to God with the help of Alva Hegade and Kurla Hegade family of Anjaru Beedu. A gana Shala was constructed to other parivara daivas.
Every day two pujas for Adakattaya and three pujas for Veerabhadra are offered. There is a metal idol of Veerabhadra consisting four faces. Goddess Abbaga and daraga have been installed in the left and right side of swamy.
Shrines for deities have been built adjacent to the main arch. The divine powers which will be installed in these shrines happen to be members of the 'Rudra Ganas' namely Ghanta Karna, Gaja Karna, Mali Sumali, Dandapani - Shoolapani. Bhootaraja, another divine power, has been housed in the stone form erected near the flag pole while Bobbarya Daiva has been installed in the outer precincts. Small shrines of Pilchandi, Ganashala, Rakteshwari, Adakathaya Gudi, Kshetrapala can also be seen here. Other family daivas too are installed including Pretakallu.
Seven villagers dedicate their services to ‘Veerabhadra Adi Temple’ not only by involving themselves in temple renovation works, but also follow rituals and provide all kinds of services at Hiryadka, Udupi. The temple has an 800 years-old history.
The grand annual fair is held every year between April 16 and 25 and this year the temple has been renovated at the cost of Rs 25 crores. Since the temple is ‘Adistana’ for six districts in the state, the number of devotees is more here. During ‘Jeernodhara’ and Brahmakalashothsava of renovated sanctum sanctorum more than 80,000 people are expected to attend the fair.
Villagers of Boomarbettu, Atradi, Kolarbettu, Parika, Anjaru, Kananjaru and Bellampalli dedicate their service for the temple. The renovation work was under taken two years back. Last year, Sri Kshetra Adi Brahmadevasthana, Adhi Nagasthana, Rajagopura, Nagarigopura, Vavanstha Mantap, Parivaara Ganash Vyapra Chamundi Gudi, a huge kitchen, a dining hall was inaugurated.
This year Sri Brhamalingeshwara temple sanctorum, Shree Veerabhadra temple sanctorum is being renovated and the temple roof has been covered with silver plates. The works of Padugopura, Yagashale, Swagatha Mantapa and quarters for priests and cooks is in last stage.
God's pedestal and aureole is completely made with around 25 kg of silver and also the exterior Deepadali (lamp stand) of the sanctum (Garbhagruha) is covered with approximately 450 kg of silver. More than 2,000 devotees have offered silver coins for this purpose.
Villagers to offer home grown vegetables in Hore Kanike
Various fresh vegetables, grown by the villagers of Hiriyadka and by devotees, will be offered in Horekanike to Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple on occasion of Purnar Pratishtapana and Brahmakalashotsava.
People from sixteen villages’ have grown Ashgourd, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Lady Finger, Ivy Gourd, Tomatos, watermelon and other vegetables. As much as 50 tonnes of vegetables will be offered at the temple.
The locals had started to plant saplings three months earlier. The devotees voluntarily started growing vegetables at their land.
The temple to celebrate ten days festival and all ten days devotees will be served food. There will be breakfast, snacks, lunch, evening snacks and dinner. All the food items will be home made. The villagers of Bommarabettu, kujambailu-seembra, Bommarabettu Basti, Baje melmane, Kondady, Moiyilikeri, Onthibettu Anjaru, near Pareeka bridge, Mudu Anjaru-Muttikallu, Maikal (Puttige), Puttige Madaga, Paddam, near Kelamane Anjaru math, near Puttige math and surrounding areas have grown heaps of vegetables at their own land.
Villagers have grown varieties of vegetables to offer Sri Veerabhadra swamy, with all devotion and love. “We are waiting for the day of Horekanike. Through this, each family wants to take part in blessings of God, says a devotee.
About 350 members have involved themselves in this work. Villagers of Hiriyadka are practicing fast from 48 days and having vegetarian food. The villagers around the temple have stopped peparing non vegetarian food items voluntarily. That shows their devotion and dedication towards God.
A grand traditional Horekanike will be held on April 12 at 3 pm. A beautiful Shobhayatre will begin at the same time from three places from Athrady, Puttige and Guddeangadi.
Lake Restoration at Hiriadka
While Shree Veerabhadra Temple is getting renovated, a century-old lake has also got a rebirth at Hiriadka. It is a major contribution to sustainable environment.
Specialty of the temple structure: The renovated temple, preserve wooden work was carved in 1952. Every single piece of ancient art is preserved and polished to look new. Every new artwork expresses the tradition and culture of Tulunadu. The entire sanctum sanctorum is piece of excellence. New 83 ft height, single wood flag pole ‘kodimara’ is the specialty of the temple. Most of the sculpture is made with stone and wood work. The entire structure expresses the glory of ‘Tulu nada Vybhava’. 108 Nataraja forms surrounding Sri Brhamalingeshwara temple made with wood work expresses artistic excellence. The kashta (wood) sculptures of beautiful wooden carvings are made with all care. The wooden stone sculptors reflect the rich heritage and skill.
Fasting: The devotees observe 48 days of fast and consume vegetarian food. The villagers of around the temple are prevented to prepare non vegetarian food for 48 days. Chicken and fish selling stalls are closed and Bar and restaurants also provide only vegetarian food. Every house and shops have a notice stating that ‘Vruthacharana Sankalpa Sweekarisida Mane’ and place a temple flag in front of the house. This dedication is possible only with pure devotion.
Hore Kanike: The temple is all set to celebrate 10-day festival and devotees will be served food on all these days. There will be breakfast, snacks, lunch, evening snacks and dinner. All the food items will be home made. Most of the vegetables are grown at their own houses. The villagers systematically grow veggies prior to Hora Kanike.
Temple work by villagers: The villagers are completely involved in the temple renovation work, except stone and wood sculptural work. Usage of JCB and other machines were avoided and the maximum man power has been used. People irrespective of their status dedicate themselves in the service of God. Every villager has connectivity with the temple. Thousands of volunteers join this holistic religious ritual Brahmakalashotsava.