The   six-day Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Shivayogigala Jathra Mahotsava, popularly known as Suttur Jathra Mahotsava, got off to a colourful and traditional start at Suttur Srikshetra in Nanjangud taluk yesterday.

The Jathra Mahotsava, being held under the supervision of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Mutt, was graced by Sri Adrushya Kadasiddheshwara Swamiji of Sri Siddhagiri Samsthana Mutt, Kaneri and  Sri Jadeya Shanthalingeshwara Swamiji of Sri Shanthalingeshwara                                                      Mutt, Nimbala. Sri Jayarajendra Swamiji, Junior Pontiff of Suttur Mutt, was also present.

First day of the event witnessed inauguration of various exhibitions at Suttur. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao inaugurated the health check-up camp, former MLA Roopali Naik inaugurated the exhibition, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa inaugurated the Cultural Fair and MLA Ganesh Prasad inaugurated Boating. MLC C.N. Manjegowda, retd. High Court Judge Justice A.S. Pachhapure, Ooty MLA R. Ganesh, Padma Shri awardee Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat, his wife Dr. Vasundhara Kavali Filliozat, JSS Mahavidyapeetha Executive Secretary Dr. C.G. Betsurmath & Secretary -1 Prof. S.P. Manjunath were present.

During the inaugural event, the devotees were treated with various cultural events which included nadaswara, folkore, dance ballet on Dwadasha Jyotirlinga, light music, Yakshagana Bombeyata by Sri Rameshwara Krupaposhita Yakshagana Sutrada Bombe Mela, Hallare, Nanjangud taluk, Bharatanatyam and staging of plays ‘Jagajyothi Basaveshwara’ and ‘Dakshayagna.’

Earlier, Anujna and Maha Rudrabhisheka were performed at the main Gadduge as early as 4 am. It was followed by special pujas at the temple at 6.30 am and a jatha promoting friendship, peace and harmony at Sannamallipura village. Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Sri Morambalu Gangadhareshwara Pattada Mutt, Kasuvinahalli, hoisted the Shatsthala Flag at 7.30 am followed by a message by Sri Ishaprasada Swamiji, Sri Gurudevashrama, Atharga, Vijayapura district. Later, abhisheka and mahamangalarathi was performed to the Utsava Murthi of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji at 8 am before allowing for darshana. At 4.30 pm, Agrodaka, accompanied by cow and calf was brought from the banks of River Kapila which was followed by a grand procession of the Utsava Murthi of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji  till the gadduge.

Veerabhadreshwara Kondothsava was held at 6 pm followed y punyaha, naandi, kalasa sthapane were performed.

The Jathra Mahotsava, which witnessed thousands of devotees storming the spiritual town, will see a steep increase in the numbers visitors in the days to come.

‘Suttur Jathra is a jathra of awareness’

Suttur Jathra by creating awareness on social developments and innovations in the fields of education, agriculture, health among others is not a jathra restricted to religious and spiritual events, but a jathra of enhancing knowledge and awareness, said Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Speaking after inaugurating the health check-up camps organised as part of Suttur Jathra at Suttur yesterday, he said that human beings were suffering from various health issues because of the unhealthy lifestyle and food habits.

“People can lead a healthy life only through a good lifestyle and food habits. In an effort to create awareness on leading a healthy life, various exhibitions have been organised at the Suttur Jathra,” he said.

Stating that he was taking part at the Jathra Mahotsava for the second time, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said that the jathra had been growing year after year adding that the Suttur Mutt had been creating awareness on various fields  including agriculture. “The Mutt has been working as a mini Government in creating awareness on various issues. I am happy to be a part of the event during which the Mutt, which is a crown to our State, has been providing opportunity for the students to showcase their talent,” he said.

120 couples enter into wedlock during Mass Marriage

The Day-2 of Suttur Jathra Mahotsava witnessed about 120 couples, including four specially-abled and one re-marriage couples, tying the knot during the mass marriage programme held at the Suttur Mutt premises in Nanjangud this morning. According to a press release from the Suttur Mutt, a total of 3,533 couples have entered into wedlock during the mass marriages organised by the Mutt at Suttur Srikshetra. It includes 3,076 couples who married during the mass marriages organised as part of annual Suttur Jathra from 2000 to 2023 and 457 couples who entered into wedlock since 2009 during the monthly mass marriage programme of the Mutt. [Jathra Pics. by Vatal Anand]