Belthangady: “There are many ways to express devotion to the Almighty. You all choose to do so through this sacred walk, which brings me immense joy. I humbly surrender to your unwavering devotion and love,” said Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala.
He was addressing over 25,000 devotees who participated in the 12th annual Padayatra (pilgrimage on foot) from Ujire’s Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple to Dharmasthala, organized by the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Padayatra Committee as part of the Lakshadeepotsava celebrations on November 26.
Leaders and Guests Speak
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Devotion Through Service
Dr. Heggade expressed his commitment to the service of Lord Manjunatha through truth, dharma, justice, and duty. He emphasized his ongoing efforts to extend assistance to temples, stating that support is provided to 150-200 temples monthly and that this year alone, 1,000 temples are being supported.
He further expressed his gratitude for the love, trust, and respect of lakhs of devotees, wishing that the Lakshadeepotsava would bring light, peace, and happiness to all homes and hearts.
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MLA Harish Poonja highlighted the spiritual significance of the Padayatra, noting the growing participation of devotees over the past 12 years. He lauded Dr. Heggade’s state-wide service initiatives, hoping they would continue to benefit even the most underprivileged.
MLC K. Pratap Simha Nayak proposed the vote of thanks, while Hema V. Heggade, hereditary trustee of the Ujire Sri Janardhana Temple Sharath Krishna Paduvettinaya, Anita Surendra Kumar, D. Harshendra Kumar, Sonia Yashovarma, and Belthangady Rotary Club President Pooran Verma were present.
Advocate B.K. Dhananjaya Rao welcomed the gathering, project officer Surendra delivered the vote of thanks, and Srinivas Rao, vice-president of the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat, compered the event.
Upcoming Vice Presidential Visit
Dr. Heggade announced that the Vice President of India would visit Dharmasthala on January 7 and 8, 2025, to inaugurate the new queue complex. Additionally, the newly completed building of SDM Ayurveda College in Udupi will soon be inaugurated.