Kankanadi Brhama Baidarkala (Koti - Chennaiah) garadi is a special place in Mangalore not only because of religious reasons, but it tells the story of Tulunadu.
People believe that Koti and Chennaiah got the idol of Lord Nagabrahma and they used to worship the Lord during their period, which is around 500 years ago. Now with the Lord, these heroes of Tulunadu also are worshipped.
History
There is an interesting story about the birth of Brhama Baidarkala. According to the legend, once a Brahmin couple got a box in the sea and they were surprised to sea a baby girl in the box. The girl was named as Deyi Baideti and the Brahmin couple brought her up.
According to the tradition those times, the couple had to perform the marriage of the girl before she gets matured, but they failed. As a result, the girl was left in the forest with her hands tied and eyes closed.
Subsequently, toddy tappers found the girl and they gave shelter to her. Deyi gets married and gives birth to twins- Koti and Chennaiah. They are brought up under King Perumala Ballala. In fact, they learn different fighting skills and would help anyone who seek justice… The story continues.
This story is relevant when we speak about Brhama Baidarkala garadi because Deyi Baideti gets worshipped in the temple. At the same time this temple is one of the very few places of Tulunadu were these warriors and their Lord Nagabrahma is worshipped.
Temple with a difference
The Brhama Baidarkala temple is said to be 137 years old, built in 1853. However, in 2006, the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Brahma Bidharkala and Lord Kodamanitthaya Vishnu were renovated and re- consecration was performed. In 2009, the ‘suttu pouli’ of the temple was reconstructed.
Stone flooring work has been completed in 2011.
One of the specialities of the temple is worshipping of Mahatma Gandhi. Speaking to City Herald, Temple Manager Bhoja Karkera said that the idol of Mahatma Gandhi was consecrated in 1948. Since then, people worship the Gandhi idol on every Ocatbor 2- on birthday of Mahatma. Swami Narayana Guru is also being worshipped in the temple.
Another speciality of the temple is paintings which tell the tale of Tulunadu. The birth of Deyi Baideti- her sufferings, birth of Koti- Chennaiah, their tales of bravery all are depicted in the temple walls. One can understand the culture and heroics of Tulu warriors through these art works.
Celebrations
In Brhama Baidarkala temple, every month Sankramana is being celebrated with ‘annasantharpane’.
Consecration day of all Gods and ‘Daivas’ is being celebrated every year with special musical instruments. Special pooja is being held on every Monday and every ‘Hunnime’ (Full Moon). Mahotsava, a five day celebration will be held in every December. As many as 50,000 people gather in the premises of the temple on the day.
‘Dompada Bali’ is celebrated during the time of Ramanavami. Along with this, the temple administration organises ‘Deepotsava’ for Lord Nagabrahma and Brhma Baidarkala every year. Devotees also offer special ‘Deepotsava’ to the Lord.
The wide space inside the temple, the paintings and carved stones which tell the story of Tulunadu, makes one feel good.