Mangalore: A new facelift or a new look is to be given to the 3 centuries old Lord Venkataramana Temple in Car Street with renovation plans put into effect this week by moving the idols to Balalayam in the premises.
The temple is managed by Gowda Saraswath Brahmin Community who hold it with high reverence. The presiding ancient idol had been consecrated by Sri Vibhudendra Theertha Swamii of Kashi Mutt (Ernakulam) in 1804. The temple is still guided by the eminent Kashi Mutt Samsthan which has a large presence in many districts on the west coast.
Lord Veera Venkatesha as the idol is now known will move out of the weak building which would be renovated, as agreed by Kashi Mutt seers. The perimeter wall and inner sanctorum will be altered by a Committee guided by spiritual head, Sri Sudheendra Theertha Swamiji of Kashi Mutt.
Community prayers with a Sankalp (proposal) will be held on March 23 (tomorrow) at 8pm and idols would be shifted to a safer place, Balalaya on Thursday, March 24 at 10-26 AM. Rituals will be conducted as ordained in scriptures.
The foundation stone for the sanctum Sanctorum (Girbha Briha) and Nidhi Kalasha programme will be conducted by the elder Guru on ‘Akshaya Tritheeya’ (May6) day.
On March 21, cows entered the temple premises in musical welcome notes for the preliminary rituals. Same evening prayers and Havana were held at the ‘Balalaya’. Other rituals like Anuja Kalasha and 100 Kalashabhishekha are due on the afternoon on March 23. The Management has requested the devotees to participate in large numbers enthusiastically in the ancient traditional programmes.