Neermarga, Jan 19: The invitation for the 300-year-awaited Sri Pedamale Vajjillaya Dhoomavati Temple Nemaotsava was released on Sunday at the Pedamale temple. The event commenced with the lighting of a lamp.

Former MP Nalinkumar Katil, while speaking later, said, "The work of the deity happens as per the will of the deity. We can print and distribute the invitation cards to every home, but what is necessary will happen as per the deity's wish. Likewise, the deity will make the people of the village alert. We are all merely instruments in this. When the deity rises, the village will prosper. All religious activities here should be carried out in such a way that there is no disruption to the rituals of worship in Tulunadu. Worship of the deity holds prime importance in Tulu Nadu, and all the people of the village should engage in this."

Dr. Bharat Shetty, MLA from Mangalore North, said, "The worship here should be based on the history of the deities. Construction work of the temple is already progressing at a good pace. I wish that all future religious events here will be successful."

The event was attended by Corporator Bhaskar K. Moyli, Harishchandra Gatti, Bhatrakodi Venkatesh Krishna Bhat, Seetharam A., Anand Saripalla, and others.

The Trust President Giridhar Shetty gave the introductory speech and welcomed the guests. Sheshadhar Bhat offered prayers to the deity.

The Re-Installation Kalasabhisheka Festival for the deities of Sri Vajjillaya, Mahishantaya, and Dhoomavati at the Pedamale Bunt Temple will be held from February 18 to 22. Religious events will be led by Kudupu Krishnaraja Tantrigaru. On February 21, at 8:28 AM, the installation and Kalasabhisheka of the deities will take place. From 7 PM, the Nemaotsava for Sri Mahishantaya and Sri Vajjillaya will occur. On February 22, at 7 PM, the Nemaotsava for Dhoomavati Bunt will take place.

On February 16, at 10 AM, the Ugran Muhurtha (auspicious beginning) will be held. From 3 PM, the Kudupu Sri Ananta Padmanabha Temple will carry out the ceremonial procession. At 3 PM on February 18, a procession with divine ornaments and a chariot will move from the Neermarga Subrahmanya Bhajana Mandira to the temple. At 5 PM, prayers and ceremonies, including Shilpi Sanmana, Alaya Pratigraha, Rakshoghna Homa, Vastu Homa, Vastu Bali, and purification of new idols and swing preparations, will take place. A Yakshagana performance will be held at 5:30 PM by the Dasavatara Yakshagana Mandali from Kateelu.

On February 19, at 7 AM, Ganapati Homa, Tulasi Pratishtha, and Dwara Puja will be held at Pedamale Guttu Bhandara Chavadi. At 8:30 AM, the installation of Kalasabhisheka at the deity’s chavadi will occur. At 11 AM, Ganapati Homa and Torana Muhurtha will be observed at Pedamale Temple. At 4 PM, cultural events by local talents will be held, and at 6 PM, religious rituals like Alaya Pratigraha, Rakshoghna Homa, Vastu Homa, and Vastu Bali will take place.

Religious lectures will be delivered by Ananta Padmanabha Asranna, hereditary priest of Sri Kshetra Kateelu. The lighting of the lamp will be done by S. Raghavendra Shastri, Administrator of Shree Sharavu Temple. Members of Parliament, MLAs, former Ministers, and other distinguished guests will be present. At 7:30 PM, a traditional cultural performance, Eluvar Dayer by Natyaniketan Kolya Someshwara, directed by Ullal Mohan Kumar, will be performed.

On February 20, starting at 8 AM, a series of religious rituals, including Prayaschitta Homa and Navagraha Shanti Homa, will be performed at the temple.