The Dongerkery Venkataramana Temple marked its seventh annual Ekadashi festival with a unique initiative to encourage organic and Ayurvedic plant use among devotees. This year, the temple premises were adorned with organic plants, showcasing varieties like spinach, amaranth, red basil, and green basil, cultivated by organic farmer Suraj Rao.
As part of the celebrations, the temple management distributed saplings to devotees as prasad, aiming to foster interest in organic farming. Over 10,000 plants were cultivated organically, including 8,000 tulsi plants, said managing trustee Praveen Nagvekar Bolar. “This effort is intended to promote organic farming among devotees while enhancing awareness of Ayurvedic and organic practices,” he stated.
Grand Celebrations Planned
Vaikunta Ekadashi, scheduled for Friday, will feature elaborate rituals and cultural activities. The festival includes the Namatraya Mahamantra japayajna (chanting ceremony), pushpayaga (flower offering), and an ashtavadhana service. A vibrant flower procession will commence at 4 pm from the temple.
Ganesh Nagvekar Bolara, festival coordinator, announced additional programs such as a mass Vishnu Sahasranama recitation from 7 am to 8 am, grand worship at noon, bhajans, and a ceremonial deeparadhane at 9 pm. Prasad distribution will conclude the day at 10 pm.
This innovative approach of blending tradition with ecological consciousness sets a meaningful precedent, inspiring devotees to embrace sustainable practices.