Maddur: Meal on lotus leaf is about devotion at this temple

They even fulfilled their vows to Topina Thimmappa. Louts leaf meal, popular as ‘Tavare ele oota’ has history that dates back to many centuries. As part of this ritual, the villagers bring 100 lotus leaves from each family, along with 5 kg of rice, 2 kg lentils, a cupful of ghee along with spices.

Having collected the materials in one place, villagers gathered to prepar rice and ghee sambar for the devotees, again as part of the tradition. After offering the first part of the meal to the god, over 30,000 people sat in rows -- irrespective of age groups -- and consumed food served on lotus leaves.

Popularly known as Hariseve, the event will be held for two more days.  The ritual also helps the fertility of the soil with the devotees discarding the leaves at the very place, which will later be ploughed and allowed to rot underneath the first layer of soil.

The practice continues till date, said the temple trust secretary Puttaswamy. Prior to this, thousands of devotees took part in the events that were held amidst pomp and gaiety, and participated in cultural programmes presented by the folk artists.

Many devotees also locked their mouths with metal locks and made offerings. Local representatives and village leaders were present on the occasion.