Puttur, July 14, 2025: The 59th edition of the illustrious Sri Ganeshotsav, meticulously organized by the Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotsav Samiti at the famed Mahalingeshwara Temple premises, Puttur, commenced with grandeur on this auspicious Monday. The pivotal Vigraha (idol) and Chappara (canopy) Muhurta ceremonies, traditionally held on the holy day of Sankashta Chaturthi, heralded the inception of preparations for the venerated festival. The sacred observances kicked off with a sankalpa at the sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Lord Ganesha, with chief priest Veda Murthy V.S. Bhat orchestrating the prayers at the revered Satyadharma Nade of shree Mahalingeshwara temple. A pious procession of devotees offered their obeisances at the esteemed Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Temple, the sacred Sri Mahammayi Temple, and various other sanctified shrines scattered throughout the locality.
Vigraha Muhurta at Nataraja Vedike
At the Nataraja Vedike, a significant site within the festival's purview, the talented sculptor Srinivas Prabhu led the Vigraha Muhurta i.e, initiating the crafting of the Ganesha idol. This event marked the sacred beginning of the idol-making process, as the artist brought to life the divine form of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing the fusion of divine grace and human craftsmanship. Joining the spiritual proceedings were key committee members like President Sujindra Prabhu, Working President Radhakrishna Nandila, General Secretary Ashok Kumble, Vice President Vishwanath Gowda Bannur, Treasurer Srinivas Mulya, and several others including Chandrashekar, Poovappa, Pushparaj, and Sridhar Patla. Their collective participation underscored the festival's role as a communal bonding event that transcends individual beliefs and unites all in a shared love for the deity.
Chappara Muhurta in Temple Field
Subsequent to the Vigraha Muhurta, the Chappara Muhurta unfolded in the sprawling field adjacent to the Mahalingeshwara Temple. Here, Chief Priest Veda Murthy V.S. Bhat led the ritual ceremony, which involved the installation of a gleaming pillar adorned with a vibrant saffron flag. This act symbolized the structural framework for the upcoming festivities. The Sri Ganeshotsav, an integral facet of Puttur's cultural tapestry, persists in uniting the populace in a shared embrace of devotion and festivity. The committee has pledged to deliver a festival of unparalleled grandeur, brimming with cultural and spiritual significance.
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