The 164th Beladingala Deepaarati (Moonlight Deepaarati) and religious programme were held at Chandravana Ashrama in Srirangapatna in the divine presence of its Pontiff, Dr. Sri Sri Trinetra Mahanta Shivayogi Swamiji.
On the occasion, Trinetra Sri Swamiji offered prayers to Mother Cauvery, making a solemn prayer for the welfare and prosperity of the country and the state. He blessed the gathering, praying for timely rains, abundant crops, and overall prosperity. He said that whenever we undertake any task, our efforts must be accompanied by divine grace. The wealth, property, and money we accumulate are not permanent. It is only through the good deeds we perform that we can earn the fruits of merit and virtue.
Jagadguru Sri Sri Vachananda Swamiji, of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Jagadguru Peetha, Harihar, Davanagere District, who graced the occasion with his divine presence, said that witnessing the Cauvery Deepaarati at the historically significant Sri Kashi Chandramouleshwara Swamy Temple is itself a blessing earned through the merits of one’s previous birth. He said that Chandravana Ashrama is the only ashrama in this region that regularly commemorates and honours the Cauvery River, which is the lifeline of Mandya district.
The programme was inaugurated by Smt. Gangambike Mallikarjun, former Mayor of Bengaluru. Speaking on the occasion, she said that when she visited this sacred place for the first time, she experienced a deep sense of peace and tranquillity. Recalling the food lovingly served to devotees by Trinetra Sri every month, she said it reminded her of the affectionate morsels of food her own mother used to feed her. She observed that the regular religious programmes conducted here are unique and not commonly seen elsewhere in the region, and praised Trinetra Sri’s spiritual practices and achievements.
The Chief Guest, Sri Girish, GST Commissioner, Bengaluru, said that Veerashaiva Lingayat Mutts have been at the forefront of providing food, education, and healthcare to underprivileged children, and that Chandravana Ashrama is among them. He expressed his happiness at witnessing Swamiji’s concern and commitment towards society and said that, in the coming days, they too would join hands with Swamiji in working towards the preservation and welfare of the country and Dharma.