Krishnaraja Dodda Kere (lake) at K Hemmanahalli, near Mysuru.
Credit: DH Photo
Mysuru: An ancient temple of the Hoysala era, on the outskirts of Mysuru city, is celebrating ‘Kere Habba’ starting from this Shivaratri to create awareness, and to educate people on the importance of lakes for sustainable development.
The management committee of Sri Mahalingeshwara temple, originally built by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II in CE 1188 and renovated in 1994, at K Hemmanahalli, has organised a ‘pradakshina’ (circumambulation) of Krishnaraja Dodda Kere in their village, by devotees after they have darshana of the deity, on February 26.
M Ganesh, president of the temple management committee said, "The temple, popular for the annual Shivaratri celebration, has incorporated cultural and folklore practices into spiritual ones."
Lake ecosystem
“This Shivaratri would be special, as steps are being taken to create consciousness on sustainable environment, among the devotees. Mysuru city is home to several lakes, both within city limits and on its periphery. They were built over the centuries, for drinking water, irrigation and other purpose. Unfortunately, some of them have disappeared, due to pollution and encroachment. Thus, the temple, located on Mysuru-Gaddige Road, has taken up this initiative, to create awareness on the significance of lake ecosystem, to make Shivaratri into a spiritual, cultural and cultural festival,” he said.
Temple secretary Ananthavardhana said, “The Krishnaraja Doddakere of K Hemmanahalli was built when Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar was the Maharaja, to supply drinking water to the capital city of Mysuru. The 37-acre lake is spread across K Hemmanahalli, Sahukar Hundi and Madagalli villages. Water was supplied through Poornaiah Canal to Kukkarahalli Lake in Mysuru city, from Krishnaraja Doddakere. So, it was the lifeline of Mysuru city, because Kukkarahalli Kere was the main source of drinking water, those days”.
People’s participation
Ganesh said, “Despite efforts to restore and rejuvenate the lake, Krishnaraja Doddakere is yet to gain its past glory, as people’s participation is lacking. Thus, Kere Habba has been planned, to encourage people’s participation. The devotees who visit the temple, for Shivaratri, will be asked to take out a padayatre up to the lake and do a circumambulation around it, as part of the rituals. The residents of the villages will guide the devotees, in this initiative”.
“A lake, with clean water and environment, is vital for a village or any human settlement. Lakes cannot be conserved and developed, if people are ignorant about the benefits,” Ganesh added.
Health camp
Ananthavardhana said, “The devotees themselves can offer abhisheka to the ancient deity of the temple at Ashokavana, during Shivaratri celebrations. Special rituals and puja will be held as part of the festival. Arogya Bharathi and Seva Bharathi organisations are hosting a health camp, by Ayurveda doctors. Those in need will be provided treatment and medicines, free of cost. Various cultural events, including play ‘Krishna Garudi’, will be held”.