Mangaluru: Padyana Ganapathi Bhat (66), the top-ranked Bhagavath of Thenkuthittu style, passed away on Tuesday October 12.
He was contracted with Covid a few months ago. He had recovered from his condition and had returned to his house. He was also suffering from a cardiac ailment. On Tuesday, Bhat died of cardiac arrest. Bhat had been doing Bhagavathike in Thenkuthittu for over five decades. In Bhagavathike, he founded the Padyana style. He was the Chief Bhagavath in well-known Thenkuthittu troupes such as Hosanagara Mela, Edaneeru Mela, and Hanumagiri Mela. His brothers, as well as the entire Padyana family, have made significant contributions to Thenkuthittu Yakshagana’s glory.
He was born on January 21, 1955 to Thirumaleshwara Bhat and Savithri Amma, residents of Golthaje near Kalmadka of Sullia Taluk. At the age of 16, he joined the Chowdeshwari Mela and began his long and prosperous Bhagavathike journey.
Bhat is survived by his wife Sheelashankari, children Swasthik and Karthik.
