Ram Mandir consecration: Devotees across Karavali coast gear up for Lord Ram’s Pran Pratishtha

Mangaluru: As the countdown to the sacred time of Lord Rama’s Pran Pratistha in Ayodhya commences, the coastal districts of Karnataka are bathed in a festive atmosphere. With the ongoing construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir serving as a backdrop, devotees in Mangaluru and Udupi, among other places, are preparing to witness this holy moment on Monday.

Religious fervor is palpable as special poojas are scheduled in various temples, including Sri Kshetra Kateel, Polali, Kadri, Mangaladevi, Maroli, Kudroli, Pandeshwar, and other Muzrai temples. From morning prayers to Ramtaraka yajna and bhajans, the day is filled with religious activities. LED screens are strategically placed in temples and public spaces for live viewing of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya.

The saffron hue dominates the landscape, with saffron flags flying high, Lord Rama cutouts adorning main roads, and stickers of Sri Ram and Ram Mandir on vehicles. Distinguished figures such as Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, RSS Leader Dr. Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, and various Swamijis are set to witness the rare moment in Ayodhya.

In Udupi, LED screens are installed in all temples for devotees to witness the Pran Pratishtha program of Shri Ram Lalla. Bhajans, Rama Taraka Japa Yajna, Homa, and Havan are planned, with daily programs named Sri Ramotsava taking place in temples across the district.

Special poojas, Rangapooja, coronation of Sri Rama, Mahapooja, and mid-day annadana are among the various events lined up in Udupi temples. The call from Vishwa Hindu Parishad has led to the distribution of Akshat to homes across the district. Deepotsava, and Rathotsava will add to the festive spirit.

In Puttur, special programs include Rama Nama Taraka mantra chanting, quiz competition, and Rama Katha dance performances in private schools. A three-day Ramashwa Digvijaya Yatra is underway, visiting temples in 22 villages of the Puttur region.

Belthangadi witnesses a special pooja at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple. Bhajan Satsang, led by Sadguru Sri Brahmananda Saraswati Swamiji, is planned at Sri Ramakshetra, Kanyadi Nityanandanagar. Special programs will unfold in major temples, including Ujire Janardana Temple, Surya Sri Sadashivarudra Temple, and Venur Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple.

In Bantwal, special programs in 80 shrines across the taluk will take place. A voluntary closure of business transactions is expected, contributing to reduced traffic in the city.

In Udupi, Sri Shiroor Matha’s Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Sripada reached Ayodhya on Sunday, marking the inauguration of Sri Rama. At Udupi Shrikrishna Matha, a rathotsava at 5 pm is scheduled.

Karkala Taluk sees diverse programs, including Ramnama sankirtana, Rambhajan, and chanting of Hanuman Chalisa by 1,008 Rama devotees at Ayyappa Mandir of Bajagoli Didimbiri. Pamphlets distributed by volunteers urge businesses to voluntarily shut down and join temple programs.

In Sullia and Kadaba towns homes are adorned with saffron decorations. Bhajans are planned in Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Kshetra from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm.

Ramayana Cultural Heritage:

As the coastal districts immerse themselves in the joyous anticipation of Lord Rama’s Prana Pratistha, the rich cultural and literary heritage of Ramayana echoes through various regions of Karnataka.

Works like Kumara Valmiki’s Toraveya Ramayana, and Nagachandra’s Ramachandra Charita Purana, are popular in the state.

Across India, diverse Ramayana compositions reflect the cultural richness of each region. In Andhra Pradesh, Sri Vishwanada Satyanarayana/Srimadramayana Kalapavrikanmu by poet Vishwanatha Satyanarayana stands out.

In Assam, Saptakanda Ramayana/Katha Ramayana by ‘Kaviraja’ Madhva Kandali is a 14th-century masterpiece. Bengal boasts Kittivasi Ramayan, a 15th-century Bengali epic by Krittibas Ojha. Bihar’s Mithila Bhasha Ramayana and Rameshwar Charita Mithila Ramayan in Maithili language are renowned.

Goa treasures Ramayanu, a 15th-century Konkani composition by poet Krishnadasa Sharma.

In Gujarat, Tulsi-krita Ramayana by Premananda Swami in Gujarati is a 17th-century gem. Jammu-Kashmir presents Ramaavatara Charita, composed in Kashmiri in the 19th century.