Glory of a temple renewed in Car Street

Sri Veera Venkatesha temple in Car Street is among the 18 temples of Gaud Sarasvat Brahmins (GSBs), which is believed to be built in 17th century. The idol erected in the main sanctum is the original symbolic idol of the Lord Venkataramana.

January 16, 2012 was a blessed day for the GSB community as the Punar Prathishta Brahmakalasha or renewed consecration of Sri Venakataramana temple was held with grandeur on the day. Devotees and people entering the rebuilt prakara were mesmerised and stunned as the spectacular glittering sight of the historic heritage temple sacred to the Konkani speaking GSB community brought revived spirit to the mind and body. Wonders created in nine months at this 17th century shrine of Lord Veera Venkataramana making it clear that only a divine will could render such a transforming wonder. The inimitable generosity of the Gods and the many good people from all walks of life has positively reinvigorated this centre of traditional worship rooted in Mangalore.

The renewal

In the realm of the Gods, a silent wish transforms to divine. An ‘Astamangala’ oracle suggested for the renovation and re-installation (‘Jeernodhara’ and ‘Punah Prathista) of the temple for the benefit of the community people. Endorsement was given by the GSB community’s spiritual guru, Sri Sudhindra Thirtha Swami too. Encouraged with it, the temple trust committee moved ahead with the preparations in 2006 and plans were chalked out for the renovation at a cost of Rs 14 crore.

On March 23, 2011 commenced the dismantling of the old structure and on January 16, 2012 the re-installation ceremony was performed.

The task under the aegis of Pailands was entrusted to Mahesh Muniyangal, a traditional Vaastu shilpi from Subrahmanya, an acknowledged expert in temple architecture .
The total commitment of the ‘GSB Samaj Bhandavas’ (Community Partners) to perform sacred duty played a major role throughout. Dismantling the old structure, termed  Kalasankoch, witnessed the valour of volunteer labour.

Around 250 young men and women would gather to work on Sundays.

On May 6, 2011 the new foundation stone was laid for the temple structure. Seven tons of holy sand specially brought from the banks of the River Ganga in Haridvar was used.

A gigantic 43 ft tall ‘dwajastamba’ or sacred flag post made out of a single piece of teak wood, covered with one layer of copper, beautifully engraved silver is built at the entrance. Then a massive silver dwara (main door), followed by the silver façade of the sanctum sanctorum with pillars made of silver in its forecourt adore the temple. Walls are made of Indian and Burma teak wood depicting mythology stories. The walls are made of 44 panels, with legends of Krishna, Ramayana and Dashavathara/Puranas respectively.

The four Parivara deities – Hanuman, Ganapathi, Garuda and Lakshmi - on their part, too have been given befitting small rooms in the four corners of the inner courtyard.

Surprisingly, the exterior of the temple is untouched and remains as it always has been! In the final analysis, it is not just about the glory of Veera Venkatesha, but also about the solidarity and sacrifice, the communion and devotion of the GSB people, who rallied to the cause. To mark the occasion, each GSB family of Mangalore received a silver coin.