Udupi: Belle Melmane Family members join in religious, social and cultural function centered around

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’belle, 15 Jan 2014: In a show of solidarity,  nearly 350 members of the historic Melmane family, the erstwhile Bunts Landlords of Devaragudde, Moodubelle, spread over different parts of India and abroad joined together under the head of the clan  Mr. Vasanta Shetty on Tuesday, 14 January 2014 to perform for the first time religio-socio-cultural functions including Brahmakumbhabhishekha of Nagabrahmasthana that was constructed way back on 14 January 1988, Ashlesha Bali, Mahaannasantarpane and Dakke Bali. The religious rituals were performed under the guidance of Korangrapadi Dwaita Vidwan Shri K.A. Sarvottam Tantri.

 

The religious rituals started from 7 am in the Nagabrahmasthana with a number of young priests performing various worships including Nirvignayaga, Devanaandi Samaraadhane, Kushmanda Homa, Brahmakumbhabhishekha and Ashlesha Bali.

 

In front of the Nagabrahmasthana, two young rangoli artists were seen preparing a huge image of Nagabrahma in vivid colours. After its completion, the entire figure of Nagamandala was decorated with flowers, tender coconuts etc. Elaborate Nagabrahama Pradhana Yaga began at around 11.45 am that continued till around 1 pm followed by Pallya Puje in front of the assorted cooked food items the chief being the heap of while cooked rice.

 

From 1.15 pm, the Maha Annasantarpane was organized in which more than 1,500 persons participated in the family-community meal.

 

 

In the evening other religious rituals followed in the Nagabrahmasthana. At 9 pm, family members of Melmane and villagers gathered around highly decorated stage for the Dakke Bali Seve.  Pillars of the two-fold stage mantap were decorated with thousands of fresh marigold flowers and pink tender coconuts were found hanging around the  archs. Heaps of areca-nut flowers were kept on four corners of the stage.

 

After the preliminary religious ritual, Shri Ramachandra Kunjitthaya, who donned the role of Nag (Nagapatri) along with his entourage entered the stage and the Dakke Bali Seve commenced which continued till 12.15 am. 

 

The preparations and conduct of the religious, social and cultural functions were supervised by Mr. Udaya Shetty, administrator of the family property.