Reinstallation of the Idols in Shri Lakshmi Janardhana Temple at Kaup

Report and Pictures by Prakash Katapadi
Bellevision Media Network

Kaup, 31 March 2010: The installation of the idols of deities in the completely renovated Shri Lakshmi Janardhana Temple at Kaup at the cost of around 3.5. Crores of rupees was held on 29th March 2010. This historical temple is believed to have been existed since the thirteenth century. The Reinstallation of the idols of the deities and the Brahmakalasotsava is being held between 27th March to 2nd April 2010. On 29th March the idols of Shri Ganapathi and other deities were installed at the temple.

Along with the temple dedicated to Shri Janardhana, the presence of Lakshmi in the temple complex has been one of the significant features of this sacred place. It has been believed that the deity of this temple, Shri Janardhana Swami who is prompt in answering the prayers of the devotees was installed thousands of years earlier by  Bhargava Rushi. The architecture of the temple with elaborately carved pillars is in line with the historical importance of the temple.

The renovation work of this historical temple had started six years ago. At the cost of one and a half crores of rupees the granite sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagudi) and Theertha Mantapa were renovated. During the recently completed second phase of the renovation work at the cost of 3.5. Crores of rupees the portico (Mukhamatapa) and the inner abodes of Shri Ganapathi and the presiding deity, Shri Janardhana were completely renovated.

During the religious functions that are being conducted from 27th March till 2nd April 2010, on 29th March 2010, the idols of Shri Janardhana and Shri Ganapathi have been ceremoniously reinstalled. On 1st April 2010, the Brhamakalabhisheka will be performed.

A number of village committees have been constituted besides the Mumbai and Bangalore sub-committees. The various committees include: The Temple Managing Board Presided over by M.Jayarama Hegde Mulooru, the Renovation Committee under Shashidhar K.Shetty, Yermal, Building Committee presided over by K.Vasudeva Shetty, Kapu,  The Bangalore Sub-committee under  Kaup Divakara Shetty, The Mumbai Sub-committee under D.Sadanandha V Shetty. The Village Committees include Mallaru, Mulooru, Padu, Uliyaragoli and Majur villages.

A large number of religious leaders, pontiffs, ministers, donors, cultural and social representatives and hundreds of devotes are expected to attend the ceremonies during these days.