Many devotees take part in Dattamala abhiyana

MLA C T Ravi, Bajrang Dal State Convener Sooryanarayana and hundreds of Vishwa Hindu Parishat, Bajrang Dal and BJP workers wore Dattamala as part of the rituals.

Children and elders in large numbers participated in Dattamala Abhiyana and wore the Dattamala on the occasion. The priest of the temple led the rituals and offered Dattamalas to leaders. A pooja was offered to the Dattatreya deity prior to the Abhiyana.

Vishwa Hindu Parishat District Secretary Shivashankar, Joint Secretaries Khandya Praveen, Premkiran, Treasurer Yogishraj Urs, Bajrangdal Taluk Convener Goudrumes Raghu and others wore Dattamala on the occasion.

‘Repair caves’

Speaking to reporters, Ravi said that the Dattamala Abhiyana is being observed for the last 10 years. Devotees in large numbers will visit the Dattapeeta this time, he said adding that the district administration should provide opportunity to have darshana of Datta Paduke for all. “I have urged the government to repair the Datta caves and to provide opportunity to have darshana of Datta Paduke. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had promised earlier that he would visit the shrine wearing Dattamala. Hence, I requested him to visit the shrine this year,” Ravi said. Mysore kings were visiting Dattapeeta to offer prayers. Hence, he said, “it will bring fortune to the entire State, if Yeddyurappa visits and offers prayer at Dattapeeta.”

Bajrang Dal State Convener Sooryanarayana said that devotees from various parts of the State will wear Dattamala and visit the temple. “The district administration had arranged Datta Paduke darshana at 4 am in the previous year. We have requested the authorities to arrange darshana at 9 am,” he added.

The district administration has given permission to hold procession on Indira Gandhi road in the town. There will be no change in the schedule that Bajrang Dal will hold procession on time, Sooryanarayana said. Bajrang Dal Leader Pradeep said that the Dattamala Abhiyana programme has been organised at 11 places in the district.