The coastal city of Mangaluru is immersed in spiritual fervour as elaborate preparations are in full swing for the birth centenary celebrations of the revered Jagadguru Shrimad Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji. The grand Janmashatabdi Mangala Utsava will be held at the historic Sri Venkatramana Temple on Car Street this Sunday.
A Legacy of Spiritual Guidance
Addressing the media on Thursday, Sri Venkatramana Temple trustee Jagannath Kamath highlighted the profound legacy of the saint. Shrimad Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji, the 20th Peethadhipathi of the Kashi Math, provided spiritual leadership for an remarkable seven decades. "He was a revered saint whose blessings transcended community boundaries, embracing not just the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community but all sections of society," Kamath stated.
The final and most significant event of the 18-month-long centenary observance will be conducted under the guidance and in the sacred presence of the current pontiff, Kashi Mathadheesha Shrimad Samyamindra Thirtha Swamiji.
Extensive Pre-Utsava Programmes Reach Global Devotees
Over the past year and a half, a series of spiritual and cultural programmes have been successfully executed. The highlight was the ambitious 'Ghar Ghar Bhajane' movement, which saw devotional programmes organised in homes, institutions, mutts, and temples across India and overseas. An estimated 10,000 such programmes were held, actively involving participants from every age group.
Adding to the spiritual journey, a sacred 'Divya swarna paduka digvijaya yatra' was undertaken. This pilgrimage commenced from the Himalayan foothills of Badrinath, traversed various parts of the country, and has now culminated in Mangaluru for the grand finale.
Sunday's Grand Celebrations: Padayatra and Golden Offering
The celebrations on Sunday will commence with a majestic padayatra (procession) at 3:30 PM. The walk will start from Konchadi and wind its way through key city areas including Maryhill, Yeyyadi, KPT, Bejai, KSRTC, Lalbagh, MG Road, PVS Junction, Manjeshwar Govinda Pai Circle, Canara High School, and Dongarakery, before concluding at the Sri Venkatramana Temple.
In a magnificent offering, a specially crafted mantapa (pavilion) made of 41 kg of gold and 81 kg of silver will be presented to the temple during the Utsava. The evening will feature the Mangala Utsava Sabha at 8:30 PM at the temple premises.
Furthermore, the temple will host a Sahasra Kumbhabisheka ritual from January 15 to 19, marking another high point of the consecration ceremonies. The press conference was attended by Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, temple committee managing trustee Adige Balakrishna Shenoy, and other prominent community leaders.
