Dattamala Abhiyana begins in Chikkamagaluru

Over 70 devotees wore Dattamala as a part of the Dattamala Abhiyana at Kamadhenu Ganapathi temple on Rathnagiri Road in Chikkamagaluru on Wednesday.

Priest Raghu Avadhani performed rituals as a part of Dattamala Abhiyana. The devotees sang bhajans of Guru Dattatreya. Members of VHP and Bajrang Dal participated in the abhiyana.

Speaking to reporters, B A Shivashankar from the VHP said, “As preparation for Datta Jayanthi, devotees have worn Dattamala. The devotees will observe Vratha and will leave for Datta Peetha for Darshana of Datta Paduke on December 22.”

The VHP had planned to hold Sudharma Rathayathre on account of Dattamala Abhiyana from Wednesday. However, the district administration has given permission to hold Rathayathre from December 16.

“We will discuss over it and then take a call on Rathayathre,” he added.

He urged the government to appoint a Hindu priest at Datta Peetha and shift tombs from the Peetha.

“We have already submitted a memorandum to the state government. The government is following dual policy in connection with the Datta Peetha. We have been striving to free Datta Peetha,” he added.

Bajrang Dal district convener Tudukooru Manju said, “Trikala puja should be allowed to be performed at Datta Peetha. The statue of Guru Dattatreya should be installed at the Peetha. The fence around “Audumbara” tree should be removed and the tombs should be shifted.”

Sudharma Rathayathre will be flagged off from Hiremagaluru. The chariot will pass through hobli and taluk centres.

Bajrang Dal Karnataka Dakshin Prantha joint coordinator Raghu Sakleshpura said, “Komu Sauharda Vedike members have filed a case against Bajrang Dal activists for posting an anguished message on social media. We have filed a writ in the court seeking bail.”