Devotees, Poojary perform 'Urulu Seve' in Kudroli

‘Rathotsava’ was also held in Gokarnanatheshwara temple

A large number of devotees including senior Congress leader Janardhan Poojary participated in ‘Urulu seve’ held on the occasion of Shivarathri in Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple on Sunday.

Urulu seve is a ritual that involves rolling on the ground around the temple. The Urulu seve was held for the welfare of the society. A ‘Rathotsava’ was also held on the occasion.

It may be recalled that as a part of the centenary celebrations of the temple, about 1,000 women had taken a pledge against widowhood on January 1.

The centenary celebrations would conclude with the widows inaugurating Kudroli Dasara festival, pulling the chariot and taking part in rituals.

Speaking to reporters, Janardhan Poojary said that devotees irrespective of caste took part in the urulu seve. “Narayana Guru was the torch-bearer in the society for social reforms and his ideals are implemented in the temple.”

It may be recalled that Poojary had earlier promised devotees that they would be provided with an opportunity to perform ‘urulu seve’ during the festival of Shivaratri.

He said that he had invited devotees to practice ‘urulu seve,’ which is different from ‘Made Snana.’ “In ‘Made Snana,’ people roll on plantain leaves with leftovers of meal served to Brahmins, but in the case of ‘Urulu seve,’ it is performed keeping in mind the cleanliness aspect as well,” he said.

Prior to Urulu Seve, ‘maharudrahoma’ and ‘Hagalotsava’ was held.

A press release issued by Temple committee president H S Sairam, it is said that the temple premises were cleaned using water and disinfectant to allow the devotees to take part in ‘urulu seve.’

Temple committee president H S Sairam, office-bearers Padmaraj, Maheshchandra, Ravishankar Mijar and others were present.

In the meantime, Gokarnanatha Kshethra has been illuminated to mark Shivarathri. A large number of devotees are expected to visit the temple as a part of Shivarathri on Monday.

Poojary flays BSY’s remarks

Former union minister B Janardhan Poojary came down heavily on former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa for his remarks on porngate scam.

Speaking to a section of media at the sidelines of Urulu seve, he said the statement shows his true character. Yeddyurappa on Saturday had backed three -tainted BJP MLAs, saying that the issue had been blown out of proportion by the media. He also had posed a question: “Don’t you watch such videos at home?”

Poojary said  Yeddyurappa, who has left for Varanasi to offer special Pooja at the renowned Kashi Vishwanatha Temple on the occasion of Shivarathri should not have given such an irresponsible statement justifying the action of ministers.

“Kashi Vishwanatha will definitely not bless him,” he said.

Poojary also clarified that he would not contest the forthcoming Udupi-Chikmagalur bypolls.