fathima video
{ Posted on 4:25 AM
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Road to new Panemangalore bridge in poor shape
{ Posted on 9:51 PM
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MANGALORE: Its not even three months since the new Panemangalore bridge across the River Nethravathi in Bantwal taluk was opened up for traffic, the approach roads on either side of the bridge are in a state of mess.
While the bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs 8.62 crore, the road connecting either side of the bridge cost another Rs 9.33 crore taking the total cost of the project to Rs 17.95 crore.
Of the total of 1.9 km of the approach roads, nearly 200 mts is eroded and most of the traffic is moving along the old Panemangalore bridge.
Is it a case of sub-standard work? National Highway Authority, Mangalore Division executive engineer Balakrishna refutes the charges. He told The Times of India the problem arose due to inadequate depth of the road along the 200 mts ---as major length of the road runs on the rocky portions.
He said while the standard depth for a road should be about a metre, the depth where the road was eroded was about 40 cms. Balakrishna said while the contractors tried to blast rock to gain enough depth for the construction of the road, the local residents opposed fearing damage to their houses. Hence they could not carry out the works to maintain enough 'depth' in the damaged stretch.
He said the NH has already proposed the permanent solution, which is concreting the stretch of 200 mts after the monsoon. The NHA official assured that till such time, the NH would try its best to maintain it.
Balakrishna also pointed out that part of the damage to the road was also due to trucks, which were overloaded to the extent of 200 per cent. He observed that while a truck, which is supposed to carry 16 metric tonnes carries 40 or 50 MT, it would do considerable damage to the road as it is way beyond the carrying capacity of the road.
The Mangalore-Bangalore NH 48 is the only link to the capital as Mangalore not connected with Bangalore with a railway link and hundreds of overloaded trucks ply daily, transporting timber and granite. The roads are badly eroded in many places and especially on the ghat section near Sakleshpur.
Toll gate: With regard to the toll collection on the new bridge, Balakrishna said it would commence as soon as the Gazette notification is done.
It may be recalled the toll collection was temporarily suspended in the second week of May, following widespread resentment and confusion over collection of toll at the bridge.
The toll collection contract was given for an annualised fee of Rs 1.14 crore. The contractor has to pay Rs 2.2 lakh (at the rate of Rs 31,500 per day) to the NH authorities on a weekly basis.
While the bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs 8.62 crore, the road connecting either side of the bridge cost another Rs 9.33 crore taking the total cost of the project to Rs 17.95 crore.
Of the total of 1.9 km of the approach roads, nearly 200 mts is eroded and most of the traffic is moving along the old Panemangalore bridge.
Is it a case of sub-standard work? National Highway Authority, Mangalore Division executive engineer Balakrishna refutes the charges. He told The Times of India the problem arose due to inadequate depth of the road along the 200 mts ---as major length of the road runs on the rocky portions.
He said while the standard depth for a road should be about a metre, the depth where the road was eroded was about 40 cms. Balakrishna said while the contractors tried to blast rock to gain enough depth for the construction of the road, the local residents opposed fearing damage to their houses. Hence they could not carry out the works to maintain enough 'depth' in the damaged stretch.
He said the NH has already proposed the permanent solution, which is concreting the stretch of 200 mts after the monsoon. The NHA official assured that till such time, the NH would try its best to maintain it.
Balakrishna also pointed out that part of the damage to the road was also due to trucks, which were overloaded to the extent of 200 per cent. He observed that while a truck, which is supposed to carry 16 metric tonnes carries 40 or 50 MT, it would do considerable damage to the road as it is way beyond the carrying capacity of the road.
The Mangalore-Bangalore NH 48 is the only link to the capital as Mangalore not connected with Bangalore with a railway link and hundreds of overloaded trucks ply daily, transporting timber and granite. The roads are badly eroded in many places and especially on the ghat section near Sakleshpur.
Toll gate: With regard to the toll collection on the new bridge, Balakrishna said it would commence as soon as the Gazette notification is done.
It may be recalled the toll collection was temporarily suspended in the second week of May, following widespread resentment and confusion over collection of toll at the bridge.
The toll collection contract was given for an annualised fee of Rs 1.14 crore. The contractor has to pay Rs 2.2 lakh (at the rate of Rs 31,500 per day) to the NH authorities on a weekly basis.
SRI VEERA VITTALA VENKATRAMANA SWAMI TEMPLE, PANEMANGALORE
{ Posted on 1:32 AM
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}
Panemangalore is a village in Bantwal Taluk, having a population of about 6,000. Situated on the left bank of the river Netravati, it is predominantly agricultural. The Gowda Saraswat Brahman settlement in the Village is closely spread around the Temple, and composes of 90 families with400 Members. The road in front of the Temple has rows of shops and establishments on both sides, which belong to the community. No G.S.B. household in Panemangalore is more than a kilometer away from the Temple, and hence the community life is closely associated with the Temple. About 80 devotees offer prayers at the Temple every day.
1. ORIGIN OF THE TEMPLE
The Origin of the Temple is traced to a challenge faced by the community in Panemangalore. As per an oral account, which is well established, in the distant past, the small community in Panemangalore was attached for all religious purposes to our Bantwal Temple, which was situated on the Right Bank of the Netravati. It was customary to go to Bantwal Temple for the annual UPAKARMA ceremony, by crossing the river by boat. One Year the party of men from Panemangalore reached Bantwal somewhat late and found to their dismay that the puja was over and the Temple doors closed and locked. What really delayed the party was the flood. In spite of it, the party had crossed the river in spate by taking great risk to their lives in order not to miss the important UPAKARMA. But the other party did not appreciate this. Having thus let down and hurt, the party returned in haste to Panemangalore. In order not to miss the most important yearly ceremony, the party went to the house of the local Vaidika, one Sri Ramachandra Bhat, broke a coconut before the deity there and got worshipped the YAJNOPAVITA. On the same day, at a meeting of the community Temple it was solemnly resolved to construct a community Temple at any cost. The challenge was met and soon a Temple was built. Vedamurthi Sri Ramachandra Bhat’s household deity Sri Venkataramana Swami with Sridevi and Bhudevi was installed as Patta Devaru. Ramachandra Bhat’s household is remembered even today as Chandu Bhattara Matha.
The above oral account regarding the circumstances under which the Temple was built seems to be acceptable, but we are not able to fix the year in which this event took place for want of evidence. A copper plate placed along with the NIDHI KALASHA in the foundation pit of the. Garbagraha at the commencement of the second renovation in 1976, states that the Temple is about 150 years old. Conceding that the copper plate is not a conclusive evidence for fixing the year of the establishment of the Temple, we may justifiably and conservatively fix the year of the Pratistha of the Temple as circa 1825 A.D.
After establishing a Temple of their own, the community expected that their dharmic work would bestow greater prosperity and well-being. But it was destined to be otherwise. The business in the place declined and there was a general feeling of unfulfilment. Probably there was some minor crisis in the community. And probably this led the elders to consult His Holiness the Swamiji of Sri Kashi Matha Samsthan. It was proposed that Sri Veera Vittala Murti which was being worshipped as household deity of the Prabhu Family of Bantwal be installed as Patta Devaru. This proposal was carried out. We have no evidence to fix the year in which Sri Veera Vittala was installed as Patta Devaru in place of the original. The original Patta Devaru was never thereafter brought out of sanctum for Utsava. But the original Utsava Murti, namely, Sri Venkataramana, is being carried in Utsava twice a year even now.
2. TEMPLE UPTO 1950
Up to 1950 the Income of the Temple was poor. The Temple possessed lands donated by the devotees and rent from lands was one source of income in addition to the Kanike. Generally the well-to-do families of the locality contributed toward the maintenance of the Temple. One such family of Panemangalore was the Kolkeri family, which had owned most of the landed properties in Panemangalore village. The family managed the Temple for two or three generations. Thereafter the family declined and its lands and buildings in Panemangalore were gradually passed on into the hands of the local G.S.B. community of the Pethe. An interesting relic in the Temple relating to the Kolkeri family is a large silver plate weighing 1 kg. 265 gms. Has an inscription in Kannada, which reads: “This Haravana is a gift by Bhagirathi Amma, wife of Kolkeri Narsayya Prabhu”.
The earliest records of the Temple are: Day Book of the year 1880 and Ledger of 1887. If these two are read, we may know about the men who contributed for the maintenance and growth of the Temple. There is a long spell of darkness after 1887 as far as the records are concerned. The darkness is dispelled in 1940 with the availability of permanent registers from that year. An event, which is permanently embedded in the minds of every generation of Panemangaloreans, is the Great Flood of 1923. Hence, its impact on the community must be recorded without fail.
The Great Flood that occurred on 7th August 1923 razed all mud structures of Panemangalore to the ground. Prior to 1923, there were annual floods, but the people had accepted them as inevitable. But never was there such a devastating flood as the Great Flood. On that fateful day, rains poured day and night non-stop. Without warning the merciless muddy water gushed forth into the fields, roads and compounds and then into the dwellings and submerged everything under it. There was no time available to transport even valuables and movable properties. Except one or two stone houses, all others collapsed. The community became shelter less. No support came from any quarters. Since the Temple was at a slightly elevated place and since it was a stone structure, the floodwater, though entered the sanctum, spared the Temple.
After the flood receded, many G.S.B. Families left Panemangalore once for all and settled in Mangalore, Puttur and other places. Others returned and built houses under trying circumstances. The government help, which came late, was negligible. Every Member of the G.S.B. community in the nearby Nandavar village abandoned their homes and migrated elsewhere since they were poor to rebuild their homes. The years that followed the Great Flood were years of great trial and tribulations to the members of our community, but their undaunted spirit wiped off the deep scars of the disaster within two decades.
3.DEITIES AND PUJAVIDHIS
Before we continue the history of the Temple since 1950, we may describe the deities and vahanas as well as Pujavidhis and Utsavas. These indeed constituted the heart of any Temple.
(I) Deities: The Patta Devaru of the Temple is VEERA VITTALA, a PANCHALOHA MURTI. The standing Murti, placed on a Lotus Pita, is 7 ½” in height with right hand in Abhaya Mudra and the left holding sankha. The Utsava Murtis are (1) Sri Ramachandra (height 6 ½”), Lakshmana (height 6”) and Sita Devi (height 6”), and (2) Sri Venkataramana (height 4.3”), Sridevi (height 3 ½”) and Bhudevi (height 3 ½”).
In Addition there are five other Panchaloha Murtis whose iconographical description has been recorded. They are: (i) Sri Venkataramana, Sridevi and Bhudevi; (ii) Kodanda Rama, (iii) Sanakadi Devaru (Hanumanta-Garuda), (iv) Balakrishna: Kalinga-Mardana), and (v) Balakrishna holding butter in Right Hand.
Among the Fourteen Salagramas in the sanctum, Vasudeva salagrama is notable. It is flat and has a diameter of 2 ½” and thickness of 1 ¼”. Vasudeva Salagrama is taken out for every utsava in a separate Sampushta. The remaining thirteen salagramas include six small Vasudeva, two Krishna, one Matsya, two Vamana and two Chakranika. The salagramas are kept in a Silver Sampustha Karadige donated by one B. H. Kamalaksha Pai on 22.11.1958. The Sampustha weighs 650 grams and costs Rs.525.
The Parivara Devaru includes standing Hanumanta (left side) and standing Garuda (Right side) – both in the small shrine outside the main shrine, and both are in stone, 12” each in height.
Jaya-Vijaya stands at the entrance of the sanctum left and right respectively, and both are in Stone.
In the outermost enclosure adjoining the road is a Naga Shrine Built in 1962. Inside the Shrine is Brahmara Stone. While the Naga Shrine is on the Left side, a gigantic ashawatha tree with a huge katte is on the right. The ashwatha dominates the area and keeps its surroundings cool and shady.
(ii) Pujavidhi: The Pujavidhi of the Temple is based on Vaishnava agama and Tantrasara. It has been a tradition of the Temple from the earliest times to follow the directions of H. H. the Swamiji of Sri Kashi Matha Samsthan in all matters relating to pujavidhi. There is Trikala Puja at 6:30 a.m. 12 noon and 8 p.m. The naivedhya for the Noon Puja comprises of 7 1/2” sers of rice, and for Morning and Evening Pujas Milk and Fruits. There are four types of special pujas conducted in the Temple: Pushpalankara, Pulakabhisheka, Pavamana and Kumkumarchane.
(iii) Utsavas: The most important Utsava is the Lakshadipotsava on Kartika Suddha
Hunnime. The ceremonies and rituals of the day include Vanavihara Vanapuja, Dhatrihoma, Silver Lalaki Utsava, Dipotsava, Kattepuja, and Gurunji Puja and of course followed by Samaradhana. For the late night utsava about seven to eight thousand people belonging to various castes congregate. Avabhrathothsava follows on the next day.
The Pratistha Divas is another important Annual Utsava of the Temple. The Divas is observed on Jyesta Suddha Trayodasi to commemorate the first Renovation of the Temple. However, the year of the first Renovation has been forgotten.
In addition to the above, there are eight other annual festivals, which make the religious life rich and colorful. The Panchaparva observed in the Temple include Chauti, Ananta-Chaturdasi, and Vara Mahalakshmi vrata, Upakarma, Mahalaya and Paschima Jagarane. There are twelve Samaradhanas during the year. The Temple follows Mangalore Panchanga on the advice of His Holiness.
(iv) Vahanas: The oldest vahanas of the Temple are Wooden Lalaki and Wooden Pallanki, both of which are not in use now. The Lalaki with a square base is 6 ½’ feet in height and has 16 Pillars. The lalaki, which is painted, has 18 wooden parrots on three sides, which is notable.
The Silver Lalaki inaugurated by H. H. Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji on 9 May 1964 was got done through donations from the devotees. It weighs 39.7 kg. And cost Rs.16, 000. With Octagonal base and Eight Pillars, the Lalaki has Dasavatara Panels and the Traditional bunches of grape and vine as well a floral designs of the Silversmith. The Prabhavali has Gaja Lakshmi relief on one side and Om and Chakra-Shankha on the other.
The Silver Pallanki measures 4 ft. * 2 ½’ft. * 1 ½’ft. in length, breath and height respectively. It was inaugurated on 5 November 1995 and donated by the local youth group- the Voice of Panemangalore . There is also a small wooden octagonal lalaki (ht.5’3”) donated by P. Devaraya Kini in 1954.
In the Vasantha Mantapa is Sesha-Vahana and a Wooden Garuda. The Painted Garuda was a part of Garuda-Vahana of the olden days.
(v) The Archakas: The Archakas carry on the daily and periodical rituals and ceremonies, and hence their services are most valuable. The Temple has four qualified Archakas. The first two do the daily Puja by fortnightly rotation. This fortnightly rotation system was introduced in 1992. Prior to that there was annual rotation.
In addition to monthly salary and free quarters, the four Archakas share the Naivedhya of 7 ½ ser of rice. There is no provision to make payment towards the education of their children or the medical expenses of the members of their family. It may be noted that one of the archakas Vedamurti P. Sathish Bhat, a Science Graduate, belongs to the ancient lineage of Vedamurti Ramachandra Bhat. It may be recalled that the first original Patta Devaru of the Temple was from Chandu Bhattara Matha.
4. TEMPLE RECORDS:
The earliest extant records of the Temple are – a day book (uliga book) of 1880 running into 40 pages; and a ledger (varga) of 1887 running into 200 pages. These have been well preserved under the custody of the Manager, and other important records are in the safe room. Revenue payment receipts from 1949 have been preserved. A receipt book commencing from 18.04.1922, relating to amounts received by the Temple towards permanent seva (mooladhana) is available. Copy of the land records (adangal nakal) pertaining to the lands owned by the Temple, including land sketch are easily available. An explanation put forward to as why the records of the Temple before 1949 are missing is that they were in the personal possession of the Trustees who did not care to submit them to the Temple office when they retired. Probable the Great Flood of 1923 might have destroyed the records in the possession of the Trustees.
The Hindu Religious and Endowment Act of 1951 came as a boon as far as the record keeping was concerned. The provisions of the Act forced the Temple to maintain certain statutory records and to file certain returns. The officers of the Department also inspected the Temple. We have all praise for the manner in which the Temple office is maintained.
The following basic registers have been maintained since 1940.
(1) Cash Book, year-wise (ulige).
(2) Ledger, year-wise (varga).
(3) Inventory register (of ornaments, gold, silver, utensils).
(4) Immovable Property Register.
(5) Register of Tenants (Homes, Shops) – 17 Tenants
(6) Hundial Register (There are 6 Hundials).
(7) Stock Register of Receipt Books.
(8) Permanent Seva Register.
5. LAND & BUILDINGS
The Temple owns lands in Panemangalore village to the extent of 1.89 acres and in Narikombu village 1.76 acres. It also owns buildings in these two villages. Details have been fully recorded in the Prashnavali. The Temple has no tank. However there is Netravati River very closeby
Kalyana Mantapa adjoining the Temple complex was built by the donations given by both the rich and poor members of the community. To begin with the Rice merchants collected the small quantity of rice taken as sample (prak) from the Muras, and donated towards the Kalyana Mantapa Fund. This was followed in 1950’s by daily collection from every family and finally by a larger monthly collection. The Kalyana mantapa today stands as a symbol of sacrifice made by every member of the community of Panemangalore. It is indeed a worthy tribute to the collective will of the people. The Kalyana Mantapa was inaugurated by H. H. Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji on 21.01.1961.
6.MANAGEMENT
A Board of three trustees elected for a period of 5 years as per the age old convention manages the Temple. According to the convention, the male members of the G.S.B. Community of Panemangalore above the age of 21 elect three trustees, and the three elected Trustees in turn elect one among them as Managing Trustee. The only qualification of the Trustees as per the convention is that they should be mentally sane and be solvent.
The day-to-day administration is run by a Manager Assisted by an office clerk. In addition there are three pipers and a sweeper. The pipers are paid 97 ½ kg. of rice per month in addition to salary.
Any historian should not fail to record the notable services rendered by the present manager, Sri P. Ekanath Bhat. Dedicated, efficient and honest. Sri Bhat joined the Temple as Manager on a paltry payment of Rs.25 per month in 1960. At that time he was working in the local primary school, managed by our Community. The records and accounts have been so well kept after he took over as Manager so much so his style of fuctioning for four decades is truly exemplary. Planning to retire soon, he is training his successor, so that the administration goes on smoothly even after his retirement.
Income: The sources of income of the Temple are: rent from houses and buildings, rent from cooking utensils, kanike and rent from Kalyana Mantapa. The last source has provided much financial stability and surplus. The hundials are opened twice a year on fixed days of the year. The accounts have been audited by the Government since 1950.
7. EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WORK
Our ancestors established the temples keeping in view the corporate welfare of the community. In other words, with the Temple as rallying point, the community helped its members by offering educational, medical and social services. But alas, the times have changed, and in our times the Temple is just a place of worship, and nothing more. There is not even a collection of a set of dharmic and adhyatmic books in the Temple for the devotees to read. This is not for want of finance but for want of proper perspective about the concept of Temple.
The Pamemangalore Temple makes only one Donation every year, that is Rs.2,000 to
Nigamagama Pathashala, Mangalore. The G.S.B. Yuvaka Vranda (estd. 1977) donates
uniform and books to students and helps the needy parents towards marriage expenses.
There is no Veda Pathana, Purana Vachana, Pravachana or Harikatha being held in the Temple. There is no Yoga Shiksha, Geeta Classes, Spiritual Shibirs, Samskara Kendra for the Children, lectures on GSB history and achievements and Konkani Shikshana. How barren is the cultural and spiritual life of the Community. There is no dearth of space for conduct of any such activities. The community can also raise funds. But the lack of vision and leadership is clearly felt.
But there is a ray of hope. At least some women recite Lalitha Sahasranama on every Friday followed by Bhajans from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays the members of Veera Vittala Bhajana Mandali do the Bhajans. In Kartika Month there is Bhajana Saptah, but it is not non-stop for a Week.
8. TEMPLE SINCE 1950.
In 1951, the Temple was brought under the provisions of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act of 1951. As a result the temple accounts have been audited by the Department since 1950. The Temple was also obliged to maintain certain registers and records. However, the Temple enjoyed much internal autonomy. To attend to the increased load of office work a Manager was appointed in 1957.
During 1950’s the only addition was a small lalaki. However during 1960’s there were several major additions. To state them in chronological order, in 1960, P. Narasimha Bhandarkar offered Deepa-stambha (height 6 feet), which cost Rs.700. A Kalyana Mantapa was completed in 1961, which was a major achievement. It was inaugurated on 22.01.1961. K. Venkatraya Kudva Brothers offered to the temple a Vasanta Mantapa (1961) on a small piece of land of their own. In 1964, the local leaders requested their counterparts in Bantwal to start a branch of their High School in Panemangalore. When it did not materialize the local leaders took it as a challenge and established a High School by their own resource. Sharada High School of Panemangalore is a progressive school today and has secured cent percent results in S. S. L. C. in 1999.
In 1964, the devotees offered a silver lalaki. His Holiness Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji inaugurated it.
The decade 1971-1980 is particularly noteworthy in the history of the temple. The floods of 1974 left behind much damage but help came both from the donors and the government. Moreover it was not as severe as the Great Flood of 1923. The relief work rendered by the people of Bantwal under the leadership of Sri B. Damodar Prabhu was commendable, and the Panemangaloreans remember the help rendered even now with gratitude.
In the same year Karnataka Government passed legislation on land reforms to a consequence the Temple lost 21.39 acres of lands to the tenants. Up to 1974, the temple was receiving annually 150 muras of rice as geni. Since then the annuity paid by the government towards the loss of land is hardly Rs.1, 063.
The greatest contribution that the devotees collectively made to the Temple was the Punar-pratisthapane of 1977. His Holiness Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji did it on 25th April 1977. The Swamiji also released a Souvenir on the occasion. The ceremonies, which went on for three days, were held under the leadership of Vedamurti Padubidri Ananth Bhat and attracted about 1500 devotees from various places. At that time, Vedamurti P. Ramachandra Bhat was the Chief Archaka of the Temple and Sri P Ekanath Bhat was the Manager.
Towards renovation work, the people contributed shramadana every day for a year, which indeed showed the marvellous unity and energy of the Panemangaloreans. The total expenditure towards the renovation came to Rs.4 lakhs.
The latest addition to the Temple is the impressive and dignified ambala prasada, mahadwara and gopura. His Holiness Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji inaugurated these on 30th April 1990. It was the seva of two brothers, Sri. P. Dayananda Pai and Sri P. Sathish Pai done in memory of their father the Late Narasimha Pai. The marble slab put up at the entrance of ambala states that their mother Smt. Laxmi Devi inspired the seva.
The granite door frame of the ambala measures 14’x8’. The huge wooden doors are 6’3” in width. Ten floral decorated panels embellish the two doors. The first floor has a room for the stay of the Swamiji and a room for puja. The huge cement concrete partha-sarathi Chariot is also on the first floor. The chariot is tastefully painted. Finally there are three gopuras, which are seen from a long distance. The pillars, ceiling, windows, doors as well as the walls have cement concrete relief decorations. The artisans of Tamilnadu have tastefully done them.
The entire structure was completed at a cost of Rs.22 lakhs in a record period of 18 months. The inauguration day is observed since 1989 every year; marked by prasadotsava, silver lalaki utsava as well as Bhuri Samaradhane. Panemangaloreans may justly feel proud about the ambala prasada.
On 22 March 1985 Vaman Kudva donated a silver cradle (weight 6.3 kg. cost Rs.32, 000) in memory of his wife Smt. Mathura alias Saraswati.
A silver pallanki was offered to the Temple on 5th November 1995 by a group of 10-15 persons, known as “Voice of Panemangalore”. The pallanki weighs 17.14 kg. And cost of Rs.1, 95,000. Its dimensions are length 4’, breadth 2 ½’, and height 1 ½’.
The most memorable event of 1998’s is the celebration of the Vyasotsava of His Holiness Sri Swamiji of Sri Kashi Matha Samsthan from 16th February to 13th March 1998. Several religious and Vedic ceremonies were conducted during the period. Sri. P. Dayananda Pai was the Chairman of the Sri Vyasotsava Samiti.
Presently Sri Veera Vital Venkatramana Swami Temple is a well-managed TEMPLE. It is the only Hindu temple in the village and hence non-GSB also offers prayers at the Temple. The recent trend shows that the youths of Panemangalore are going out of their village in pursuit of higher education and employment. With the dwindling size of the families, the youth power has also dwindled. The rapid charges that are taking place have given rise to newer economic, social and religious situations and challenges, which are to be met. And in this, the Temple, which has stood as a pillar of strength through the past, must play appropriate role
1. ORIGIN OF THE TEMPLE
The Origin of the Temple is traced to a challenge faced by the community in Panemangalore. As per an oral account, which is well established, in the distant past, the small community in Panemangalore was attached for all religious purposes to our Bantwal Temple, which was situated on the Right Bank of the Netravati. It was customary to go to Bantwal Temple for the annual UPAKARMA ceremony, by crossing the river by boat. One Year the party of men from Panemangalore reached Bantwal somewhat late and found to their dismay that the puja was over and the Temple doors closed and locked. What really delayed the party was the flood. In spite of it, the party had crossed the river in spate by taking great risk to their lives in order not to miss the important UPAKARMA. But the other party did not appreciate this. Having thus let down and hurt, the party returned in haste to Panemangalore. In order not to miss the most important yearly ceremony, the party went to the house of the local Vaidika, one Sri Ramachandra Bhat, broke a coconut before the deity there and got worshipped the YAJNOPAVITA. On the same day, at a meeting of the community Temple it was solemnly resolved to construct a community Temple at any cost. The challenge was met and soon a Temple was built. Vedamurthi Sri Ramachandra Bhat’s household deity Sri Venkataramana Swami with Sridevi and Bhudevi was installed as Patta Devaru. Ramachandra Bhat’s household is remembered even today as Chandu Bhattara Matha.
The above oral account regarding the circumstances under which the Temple was built seems to be acceptable, but we are not able to fix the year in which this event took place for want of evidence. A copper plate placed along with the NIDHI KALASHA in the foundation pit of the. Garbagraha at the commencement of the second renovation in 1976, states that the Temple is about 150 years old. Conceding that the copper plate is not a conclusive evidence for fixing the year of the establishment of the Temple, we may justifiably and conservatively fix the year of the Pratistha of the Temple as circa 1825 A.D.
After establishing a Temple of their own, the community expected that their dharmic work would bestow greater prosperity and well-being. But it was destined to be otherwise. The business in the place declined and there was a general feeling of unfulfilment. Probably there was some minor crisis in the community. And probably this led the elders to consult His Holiness the Swamiji of Sri Kashi Matha Samsthan. It was proposed that Sri Veera Vittala Murti which was being worshipped as household deity of the Prabhu Family of Bantwal be installed as Patta Devaru. This proposal was carried out. We have no evidence to fix the year in which Sri Veera Vittala was installed as Patta Devaru in place of the original. The original Patta Devaru was never thereafter brought out of sanctum for Utsava. But the original Utsava Murti, namely, Sri Venkataramana, is being carried in Utsava twice a year even now.
2. TEMPLE UPTO 1950
Up to 1950 the Income of the Temple was poor. The Temple possessed lands donated by the devotees and rent from lands was one source of income in addition to the Kanike. Generally the well-to-do families of the locality contributed toward the maintenance of the Temple. One such family of Panemangalore was the Kolkeri family, which had owned most of the landed properties in Panemangalore village. The family managed the Temple for two or three generations. Thereafter the family declined and its lands and buildings in Panemangalore were gradually passed on into the hands of the local G.S.B. community of the Pethe. An interesting relic in the Temple relating to the Kolkeri family is a large silver plate weighing 1 kg. 265 gms. Has an inscription in Kannada, which reads: “This Haravana is a gift by Bhagirathi Amma, wife of Kolkeri Narsayya Prabhu”.
The earliest records of the Temple are: Day Book of the year 1880 and Ledger of 1887. If these two are read, we may know about the men who contributed for the maintenance and growth of the Temple. There is a long spell of darkness after 1887 as far as the records are concerned. The darkness is dispelled in 1940 with the availability of permanent registers from that year. An event, which is permanently embedded in the minds of every generation of Panemangaloreans, is the Great Flood of 1923. Hence, its impact on the community must be recorded without fail.
The Great Flood that occurred on 7th August 1923 razed all mud structures of Panemangalore to the ground. Prior to 1923, there were annual floods, but the people had accepted them as inevitable. But never was there such a devastating flood as the Great Flood. On that fateful day, rains poured day and night non-stop. Without warning the merciless muddy water gushed forth into the fields, roads and compounds and then into the dwellings and submerged everything under it. There was no time available to transport even valuables and movable properties. Except one or two stone houses, all others collapsed. The community became shelter less. No support came from any quarters. Since the Temple was at a slightly elevated place and since it was a stone structure, the floodwater, though entered the sanctum, spared the Temple.
After the flood receded, many G.S.B. Families left Panemangalore once for all and settled in Mangalore, Puttur and other places. Others returned and built houses under trying circumstances. The government help, which came late, was negligible. Every Member of the G.S.B. community in the nearby Nandavar village abandoned their homes and migrated elsewhere since they were poor to rebuild their homes. The years that followed the Great Flood were years of great trial and tribulations to the members of our community, but their undaunted spirit wiped off the deep scars of the disaster within two decades.
3.DEITIES AND PUJAVIDHIS
Before we continue the history of the Temple since 1950, we may describe the deities and vahanas as well as Pujavidhis and Utsavas. These indeed constituted the heart of any Temple.
(I) Deities: The Patta Devaru of the Temple is VEERA VITTALA, a PANCHALOHA MURTI. The standing Murti, placed on a Lotus Pita, is 7 ½” in height with right hand in Abhaya Mudra and the left holding sankha. The Utsava Murtis are (1) Sri Ramachandra (height 6 ½”), Lakshmana (height 6”) and Sita Devi (height 6”), and (2) Sri Venkataramana (height 4.3”), Sridevi (height 3 ½”) and Bhudevi (height 3 ½”).
In Addition there are five other Panchaloha Murtis whose iconographical description has been recorded. They are: (i) Sri Venkataramana, Sridevi and Bhudevi; (ii) Kodanda Rama, (iii) Sanakadi Devaru (Hanumanta-Garuda), (iv) Balakrishna: Kalinga-Mardana), and (v) Balakrishna holding butter in Right Hand.
Among the Fourteen Salagramas in the sanctum, Vasudeva salagrama is notable. It is flat and has a diameter of 2 ½” and thickness of 1 ¼”. Vasudeva Salagrama is taken out for every utsava in a separate Sampushta. The remaining thirteen salagramas include six small Vasudeva, two Krishna, one Matsya, two Vamana and two Chakranika. The salagramas are kept in a Silver Sampustha Karadige donated by one B. H. Kamalaksha Pai on 22.11.1958. The Sampustha weighs 650 grams and costs Rs.525.
The Parivara Devaru includes standing Hanumanta (left side) and standing Garuda (Right side) – both in the small shrine outside the main shrine, and both are in stone, 12” each in height.
Jaya-Vijaya stands at the entrance of the sanctum left and right respectively, and both are in Stone.
In the outermost enclosure adjoining the road is a Naga Shrine Built in 1962. Inside the Shrine is Brahmara Stone. While the Naga Shrine is on the Left side, a gigantic ashawatha tree with a huge katte is on the right. The ashwatha dominates the area and keeps its surroundings cool and shady.
(ii) Pujavidhi: The Pujavidhi of the Temple is based on Vaishnava agama and Tantrasara. It has been a tradition of the Temple from the earliest times to follow the directions of H. H. the Swamiji of Sri Kashi Matha Samsthan in all matters relating to pujavidhi. There is Trikala Puja at 6:30 a.m. 12 noon and 8 p.m. The naivedhya for the Noon Puja comprises of 7 1/2” sers of rice, and for Morning and Evening Pujas Milk and Fruits. There are four types of special pujas conducted in the Temple: Pushpalankara, Pulakabhisheka, Pavamana and Kumkumarchane.
(iii) Utsavas: The most important Utsava is the Lakshadipotsava on Kartika Suddha
Hunnime. The ceremonies and rituals of the day include Vanavihara Vanapuja, Dhatrihoma, Silver Lalaki Utsava, Dipotsava, Kattepuja, and Gurunji Puja and of course followed by Samaradhana. For the late night utsava about seven to eight thousand people belonging to various castes congregate. Avabhrathothsava follows on the next day.
The Pratistha Divas is another important Annual Utsava of the Temple. The Divas is observed on Jyesta Suddha Trayodasi to commemorate the first Renovation of the Temple. However, the year of the first Renovation has been forgotten.
In addition to the above, there are eight other annual festivals, which make the religious life rich and colorful. The Panchaparva observed in the Temple include Chauti, Ananta-Chaturdasi, and Vara Mahalakshmi vrata, Upakarma, Mahalaya and Paschima Jagarane. There are twelve Samaradhanas during the year. The Temple follows Mangalore Panchanga on the advice of His Holiness.
(iv) Vahanas: The oldest vahanas of the Temple are Wooden Lalaki and Wooden Pallanki, both of which are not in use now. The Lalaki with a square base is 6 ½’ feet in height and has 16 Pillars. The lalaki, which is painted, has 18 wooden parrots on three sides, which is notable.
The Silver Lalaki inaugurated by H. H. Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji on 9 May 1964 was got done through donations from the devotees. It weighs 39.7 kg. And cost Rs.16, 000. With Octagonal base and Eight Pillars, the Lalaki has Dasavatara Panels and the Traditional bunches of grape and vine as well a floral designs of the Silversmith. The Prabhavali has Gaja Lakshmi relief on one side and Om and Chakra-Shankha on the other.
The Silver Pallanki measures 4 ft. * 2 ½’ft. * 1 ½’ft. in length, breath and height respectively. It was inaugurated on 5 November 1995 and donated by the local youth group- the Voice of Panemangalore . There is also a small wooden octagonal lalaki (ht.5’3”) donated by P. Devaraya Kini in 1954.
In the Vasantha Mantapa is Sesha-Vahana and a Wooden Garuda. The Painted Garuda was a part of Garuda-Vahana of the olden days.
(v) The Archakas: The Archakas carry on the daily and periodical rituals and ceremonies, and hence their services are most valuable. The Temple has four qualified Archakas. The first two do the daily Puja by fortnightly rotation. This fortnightly rotation system was introduced in 1992. Prior to that there was annual rotation.
In addition to monthly salary and free quarters, the four Archakas share the Naivedhya of 7 ½ ser of rice. There is no provision to make payment towards the education of their children or the medical expenses of the members of their family. It may be noted that one of the archakas Vedamurti P. Sathish Bhat, a Science Graduate, belongs to the ancient lineage of Vedamurti Ramachandra Bhat. It may be recalled that the first original Patta Devaru of the Temple was from Chandu Bhattara Matha.
4. TEMPLE RECORDS:
The earliest extant records of the Temple are – a day book (uliga book) of 1880 running into 40 pages; and a ledger (varga) of 1887 running into 200 pages. These have been well preserved under the custody of the Manager, and other important records are in the safe room. Revenue payment receipts from 1949 have been preserved. A receipt book commencing from 18.04.1922, relating to amounts received by the Temple towards permanent seva (mooladhana) is available. Copy of the land records (adangal nakal) pertaining to the lands owned by the Temple, including land sketch are easily available. An explanation put forward to as why the records of the Temple before 1949 are missing is that they were in the personal possession of the Trustees who did not care to submit them to the Temple office when they retired. Probable the Great Flood of 1923 might have destroyed the records in the possession of the Trustees.
The Hindu Religious and Endowment Act of 1951 came as a boon as far as the record keeping was concerned. The provisions of the Act forced the Temple to maintain certain statutory records and to file certain returns. The officers of the Department also inspected the Temple. We have all praise for the manner in which the Temple office is maintained.
The following basic registers have been maintained since 1940.
(1) Cash Book, year-wise (ulige).
(2) Ledger, year-wise (varga).
(3) Inventory register (of ornaments, gold, silver, utensils).
(4) Immovable Property Register.
(5) Register of Tenants (Homes, Shops) – 17 Tenants
(6) Hundial Register (There are 6 Hundials).
(7) Stock Register of Receipt Books.
(8) Permanent Seva Register.
5. LAND & BUILDINGS
The Temple owns lands in Panemangalore village to the extent of 1.89 acres and in Narikombu village 1.76 acres. It also owns buildings in these two villages. Details have been fully recorded in the Prashnavali. The Temple has no tank. However there is Netravati River very closeby
Kalyana Mantapa adjoining the Temple complex was built by the donations given by both the rich and poor members of the community. To begin with the Rice merchants collected the small quantity of rice taken as sample (prak) from the Muras, and donated towards the Kalyana Mantapa Fund. This was followed in 1950’s by daily collection from every family and finally by a larger monthly collection. The Kalyana mantapa today stands as a symbol of sacrifice made by every member of the community of Panemangalore. It is indeed a worthy tribute to the collective will of the people. The Kalyana Mantapa was inaugurated by H. H. Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji on 21.01.1961.
6.MANAGEMENT
A Board of three trustees elected for a period of 5 years as per the age old convention manages the Temple. According to the convention, the male members of the G.S.B. Community of Panemangalore above the age of 21 elect three trustees, and the three elected Trustees in turn elect one among them as Managing Trustee. The only qualification of the Trustees as per the convention is that they should be mentally sane and be solvent.
The day-to-day administration is run by a Manager Assisted by an office clerk. In addition there are three pipers and a sweeper. The pipers are paid 97 ½ kg. of rice per month in addition to salary.
Any historian should not fail to record the notable services rendered by the present manager, Sri P. Ekanath Bhat. Dedicated, efficient and honest. Sri Bhat joined the Temple as Manager on a paltry payment of Rs.25 per month in 1960. At that time he was working in the local primary school, managed by our Community. The records and accounts have been so well kept after he took over as Manager so much so his style of fuctioning for four decades is truly exemplary. Planning to retire soon, he is training his successor, so that the administration goes on smoothly even after his retirement.
Income: The sources of income of the Temple are: rent from houses and buildings, rent from cooking utensils, kanike and rent from Kalyana Mantapa. The last source has provided much financial stability and surplus. The hundials are opened twice a year on fixed days of the year. The accounts have been audited by the Government since 1950.
7. EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WORK
Our ancestors established the temples keeping in view the corporate welfare of the community. In other words, with the Temple as rallying point, the community helped its members by offering educational, medical and social services. But alas, the times have changed, and in our times the Temple is just a place of worship, and nothing more. There is not even a collection of a set of dharmic and adhyatmic books in the Temple for the devotees to read. This is not for want of finance but for want of proper perspective about the concept of Temple.
The Pamemangalore Temple makes only one Donation every year, that is Rs.2,000 to
Nigamagama Pathashala, Mangalore. The G.S.B. Yuvaka Vranda (estd. 1977) donates
uniform and books to students and helps the needy parents towards marriage expenses.
There is no Veda Pathana, Purana Vachana, Pravachana or Harikatha being held in the Temple. There is no Yoga Shiksha, Geeta Classes, Spiritual Shibirs, Samskara Kendra for the Children, lectures on GSB history and achievements and Konkani Shikshana. How barren is the cultural and spiritual life of the Community. There is no dearth of space for conduct of any such activities. The community can also raise funds. But the lack of vision and leadership is clearly felt.
But there is a ray of hope. At least some women recite Lalitha Sahasranama on every Friday followed by Bhajans from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays the members of Veera Vittala Bhajana Mandali do the Bhajans. In Kartika Month there is Bhajana Saptah, but it is not non-stop for a Week.
8. TEMPLE SINCE 1950.
In 1951, the Temple was brought under the provisions of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act of 1951. As a result the temple accounts have been audited by the Department since 1950. The Temple was also obliged to maintain certain registers and records. However, the Temple enjoyed much internal autonomy. To attend to the increased load of office work a Manager was appointed in 1957.
During 1950’s the only addition was a small lalaki. However during 1960’s there were several major additions. To state them in chronological order, in 1960, P. Narasimha Bhandarkar offered Deepa-stambha (height 6 feet), which cost Rs.700. A Kalyana Mantapa was completed in 1961, which was a major achievement. It was inaugurated on 22.01.1961. K. Venkatraya Kudva Brothers offered to the temple a Vasanta Mantapa (1961) on a small piece of land of their own. In 1964, the local leaders requested their counterparts in Bantwal to start a branch of their High School in Panemangalore. When it did not materialize the local leaders took it as a challenge and established a High School by their own resource. Sharada High School of Panemangalore is a progressive school today and has secured cent percent results in S. S. L. C. in 1999.
In 1964, the devotees offered a silver lalaki. His Holiness Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji inaugurated it.
The decade 1971-1980 is particularly noteworthy in the history of the temple. The floods of 1974 left behind much damage but help came both from the donors and the government. Moreover it was not as severe as the Great Flood of 1923. The relief work rendered by the people of Bantwal under the leadership of Sri B. Damodar Prabhu was commendable, and the Panemangaloreans remember the help rendered even now with gratitude.
In the same year Karnataka Government passed legislation on land reforms to a consequence the Temple lost 21.39 acres of lands to the tenants. Up to 1974, the temple was receiving annually 150 muras of rice as geni. Since then the annuity paid by the government towards the loss of land is hardly Rs.1, 063.
The greatest contribution that the devotees collectively made to the Temple was the Punar-pratisthapane of 1977. His Holiness Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji did it on 25th April 1977. The Swamiji also released a Souvenir on the occasion. The ceremonies, which went on for three days, were held under the leadership of Vedamurti Padubidri Ananth Bhat and attracted about 1500 devotees from various places. At that time, Vedamurti P. Ramachandra Bhat was the Chief Archaka of the Temple and Sri P Ekanath Bhat was the Manager.
Towards renovation work, the people contributed shramadana every day for a year, which indeed showed the marvellous unity and energy of the Panemangaloreans. The total expenditure towards the renovation came to Rs.4 lakhs.
The latest addition to the Temple is the impressive and dignified ambala prasada, mahadwara and gopura. His Holiness Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji inaugurated these on 30th April 1990. It was the seva of two brothers, Sri. P. Dayananda Pai and Sri P. Sathish Pai done in memory of their father the Late Narasimha Pai. The marble slab put up at the entrance of ambala states that their mother Smt. Laxmi Devi inspired the seva.
The granite door frame of the ambala measures 14’x8’. The huge wooden doors are 6’3” in width. Ten floral decorated panels embellish the two doors. The first floor has a room for the stay of the Swamiji and a room for puja. The huge cement concrete partha-sarathi Chariot is also on the first floor. The chariot is tastefully painted. Finally there are three gopuras, which are seen from a long distance. The pillars, ceiling, windows, doors as well as the walls have cement concrete relief decorations. The artisans of Tamilnadu have tastefully done them.
The entire structure was completed at a cost of Rs.22 lakhs in a record period of 18 months. The inauguration day is observed since 1989 every year; marked by prasadotsava, silver lalaki utsava as well as Bhuri Samaradhane. Panemangaloreans may justly feel proud about the ambala prasada.
On 22 March 1985 Vaman Kudva donated a silver cradle (weight 6.3 kg. cost Rs.32, 000) in memory of his wife Smt. Mathura alias Saraswati.
A silver pallanki was offered to the Temple on 5th November 1995 by a group of 10-15 persons, known as “Voice of Panemangalore”. The pallanki weighs 17.14 kg. And cost of Rs.1, 95,000. Its dimensions are length 4’, breadth 2 ½’, and height 1 ½’.
The most memorable event of 1998’s is the celebration of the Vyasotsava of His Holiness Sri Swamiji of Sri Kashi Matha Samsthan from 16th February to 13th March 1998. Several religious and Vedic ceremonies were conducted during the period. Sri. P. Dayananda Pai was the Chairman of the Sri Vyasotsava Samiti.
Presently Sri Veera Vital Venkatramana Swami Temple is a well-managed TEMPLE. It is the only Hindu temple in the village and hence non-GSB also offers prayers at the Temple. The recent trend shows that the youths of Panemangalore are going out of their village in pursuit of higher education and employment. With the dwindling size of the families, the youth power has also dwindled. The rapid charges that are taking place have given rise to newer economic, social and religious situations and challenges, which are to be met. And in this, the Temple, which has stood as a pillar of strength through the past, must play appropriate role
PANEMANGALORE, SHRI VEERA VITTALA VENKATRAMANA SWAMI TEMPLE
{ Posted on 7:32 PM
by junaidess
}
Established : 200 years ago by GSB community of Panemangalore.
Presiding Deity : Shri Veera Vittala Swami, Shri Rama, Laxman & Sita.
Other Deities : Shri Venkataramana with Sridevi & Bhudevi, Shri Mukhyaprana & Shri Garuda.
Important Festivals : 'Foundation Day' Jyeshta Shudda Thrayodasi in the month of June.
Other Festivals : Deepothsava in the month of November & Punar Prathistha Day - Vaishaka Shudda Saptami in the month of April.
Scholarly Archaks : Shri H. Nithyananda Bhat. S.V.S. Temple Square, Panemangalore, D.K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40753.
GSB Families : (approx.) 90, Total GSB Population : 400.
Journey Details : Mangalore to Panemangalore 25 kms. by Road.
Nearby Interesting Places : Shri Narhari Sadashiv Temple (1 km) & Shri Laxmi Narasimha Temple.
Managing Trustee : Shri P. Devadas Shenoy. C/o. N. K. G. Kudva & P. V. Shenoy Merchants Panemangalore, D. K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40189.
Manager : P. Ekanatha Bhat. S. V. S. Temple, Panemangalore, D. K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40164.
Shri Veera Vittala Venkatramana Swami Temple, Panemangalore,
Bantwal Taluka, D.K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40164.
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History and Culture | Sacred Books and Teachings | Gayatri Mantra | Popular Deities | Fasts and Festivals | Customs and Religious Practices | Maths and Shri Swamijis | Temples | Associations | Konkani Language | News Letter
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Presiding Deity : Shri Veera Vittala Swami, Shri Rama, Laxman & Sita.
Other Deities : Shri Venkataramana with Sridevi & Bhudevi, Shri Mukhyaprana & Shri Garuda.
Important Festivals : 'Foundation Day' Jyeshta Shudda Thrayodasi in the month of June.
Other Festivals : Deepothsava in the month of November & Punar Prathistha Day - Vaishaka Shudda Saptami in the month of April.
Scholarly Archaks : Shri H. Nithyananda Bhat. S.V.S. Temple Square, Panemangalore, D.K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40753.
GSB Families : (approx.) 90, Total GSB Population : 400.
Journey Details : Mangalore to Panemangalore 25 kms. by Road.
Nearby Interesting Places : Shri Narhari Sadashiv Temple (1 km) & Shri Laxmi Narasimha Temple.
Managing Trustee : Shri P. Devadas Shenoy. C/o. N. K. G. Kudva & P. V. Shenoy Merchants Panemangalore, D. K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40189.
Manager : P. Ekanatha Bhat. S. V. S. Temple, Panemangalore, D. K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40164.
Shri Veera Vittala Venkatramana Swami Temple, Panemangalore,
Bantwal Taluka, D.K. 574231. Tel. : (08255) 40164.
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History and Culture | Sacred Books and Teachings | Gayatri Mantra | Popular Deities | Fasts and Festivals | Customs and Religious Practices | Maths and Shri Swamijis | Temples | Associations | Konkani Language | News Letter
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panemangalore
{ Posted on 7:28 PM
by junaidess
}
Country : India
State :Karnataka
District(s) : Dakshina Kannada
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
. Pincode • 574 231
• Telephone • +08255
• Vehicle • KA-19
Coordinates : 12.873°N 75.046°E
Pane mangalore is a village on the banks of Netravati river near B.C.Road. It lies in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.The National Highway-48 passes through this village.
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