Pass by Mathikere last bus stop and you will be surprised to see that the names of the BMTC bus stop, the post office and such other establishments have been named after the local goddess, Sri Chowdeshwari Devi. For instance, the bus stop is called Chowdeshwari Bus Stop and the post office Chowdeshwari Post Office. Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple, situated in the HMT Layout of Mathikere, has taken the initiative to do social service for the last two decades, thereby gaining much appreciation. The founder trustee of the temple, Anantharam, sincerely believes in the saying - service to humanity is service to God.
Many devotees from far and near throng this temple all the seven days of a week, with great devotion and faith. It’s firmly believed that this Goddess grants all wishes. The devotees include cine-stars, politicians, businessmen and personalities from various walks of life. In fact, late Dr Rajkumar was a great devotee and used to frequent the temple. Young television artist and a devotee, Aparna, says, “This Goddess Matha, who fulfils the wishes of devotees, is very powerful.”
Thousands of devotees come on Tuesdays and Fridays, which are considered auspicious days for this Goddess. In addition to these, more devotees gather during Rahukaala pooja, especially on Sundays. While people gather in large numbers on days like the New Year or Ugadi, its almost impossible to count the walk-ins during the Navarathri festival! During Navarathri, it’s a feast for the eyes. Lavish decorations ornate the Goddess each day. The temple authorities also conduct cultural programmes and musical concerts.
The temple trust also helps people on humanitarian grounds. For example, they have given generous financial help to those rendered homeless in natural calamities like floods, earthquakes and Tsunami. Financial grants have been given to economically backward students at schools, situated in the vicinity of the temple. The temple authorities have been frequently organising health camps and blood donation camps. Sarees offered to the Goddess by devotees have been distributed to ‘sumangalees’, who tie-the-knot in mass marriages (saamuhika vivaaha). Now the temple trust has started its own library for the general public.
It’s amazing to see that many people working in this temple have been here for years, serving with utmost dedication. So much so, that the temple authorities have recently constructed free quarters for the temple volunteers, in due appreciation of their efforts.
Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple is located on 1st A Cross, HMT Layout, Mathikere. For details call 23379167.
