Belthangady: Entire Belthangady taluk is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘Pattabhisheka’ of Dr D Veerendra Heggade, on October 24.
A slew of events has been lined up to mark the celebration because the tenure of Dr Veerendra Heggade as the Dharmadhikari is considered to be the golden era. The streets of the taluk are being embellished and almost every structure around the renowned Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara temple is being decked up. Special prayers will be offered at Manjuntheshwara Temple and Bhagwan Chandranatha Swamy Basadi on this day.
After Dr Heggade took charge as the ‘Dharmadhikari’ or the chief of the Temple, an array of programmes targeting social and economic upliftment of the people were started. Rural development programmes, mass marriage, self employment training and formation of Self Help Groups are just a few programmes from Dr Heggade that brought about quantum change in the lives of the people. Dr Heggade has been running several educational institutions under the name Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Colleges, but his inclination to motivate Ayurveda, naturopathy and yoga is commendable.
On Tuesday, the Mysuru Royal family Scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar will preside over the programme to be held at Amruthavarshini. Orator Dr Gururaj Karjagi Bagalkote will present the key note speech in the presence of district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai and local MLA K Vasanth Bangera.
With several religious programmes lined up at Basadi at 3 pm, a procession will thereafter be started outside Vaishali guest house. Dr Heggade will be brought in a procession on an embellished vehicle through car street, Annappabetta, and Amrithavarshini.
During the formal stage programme, several workers of the temple and various programmes will be felicitated. The life of Dr Heggade will be presented through a documentary and a string of cultural events will be held.
