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Hassan (Karnataka), October 15 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday visited the famous Hasanamba temple and performed special puja. Amid the ongoing leadership controversy, the visit has sparked discussion in political circles as it comes just a day after Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar’s visit and prayers to the Hasanamba deity.
Sources close to both the leaders say that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had gone to pray before the goddess to fulfill their ambitions. According to sources, Shivakumar is making every effort to snatch the CM post and CM Siddaramaiah has announced that he will remain the CM for the entire tenure.
Hasanamba Temple is considered to be the Vaishnodevi of South India.
The ‘Hasanamba Miracle’ refers to the unexplained phenomenon of the Hasanamba Temple in Karnataka, where perishable offerings such as rice, water, bananas and coconuts remain fresh and unspoiled for an entire year when the temple is closed. It is also a phenomenon that the ghee lamp (Nanda Deepa) continues to burn continuously, and the flowers remain fresh even after a 51-week period of closure, which occurs every year around the Diwali festival.
Speaking to the media after having darshan of Hasanamba Devi and Siddheshwar Swami and performing special puja, the CM said: “I had darshan last year, and have done so again this year. I prayed to the deity for prosperity, peace and happiness in the entire state, rains, good harvest and welfare of farmers.”
Siddaramaiah also congratulated all-party district representatives and officials for supporting the government’s effort to give priority to common people over VIP status during Hasanamba festival.
He said, “Farmers suffered losses this year due to excessive rains. Along with NDRF funds, the state government is providing additional compensation. We have given crop-loss relief which was never given before. I prayed to Hasanamba and Siddheshwar Swami to ensure that there is no crop-loss situation next year.”
“Our state symbolizes Kuvempu’s vision of a ‘Garden of Peace for all communities’. Let us further strengthen it. Gods and Goddesses of all religions wish that there should be a life of love and harmony among people. Accordingly, we all should walk the path of humanity with compassion,” he said.
Responding to reporters’ questions on whether additional funds would be announced in the state budget for the Hasanamba festival, the CM said, “I will discuss with the district administration. If needed, financial assistance and additional funds will be provided.”
On this occasion, District In-charge Minister Krishna Baire Gowda, MLA Shivalingegowda, MP Shreyas Patel, HUDA Chairman Shivappa and district officials were present.
Sources said that last year, CM Siddaramaiah had visited Hasanamba, after which he managed to get out of the crisis after the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam came to light.
Amid the leadership tussle, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, during his visit and prayers, received ‘Mahaprasad’ at the sanctum sanctorum of Hasanamba temple.
On Tuesday night, he visited Hasanamba temple with his wife and performed special prayers. During the ritual, the priests recited ‘Narayani Namaskar Mantra’ from the 11th chapter of ‘Durga Saptashati’ praying for her victory and well-being.
The prayer lasted for about five minutes. While the rituals were being conducted, Shivakumar himself recited ‘Khadgamala Stotra’ to gain victory over the opponents.
At the same auspicious moment, flowers fell twice from the right side of the deity, which was considered a divine blessing for Shivakumar. After this hint, his camp is excited and is claiming that Shivakumar will get the reward.
Speaking to the media after the ritual, Shivakumar said, “I am here, mother is here. I prayed that God grants us all peace, prosperity and security.”
–IANS
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