|| Shree Bhadra Narasimha Swamy Prasanna ||

SHRI GARBHA GRIHA JEERNODHARA SAMITHI

Srimath Anantheshwar Temple

Manjeshwar - 671323     Tel: 04998 272221

A HEARTY INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HISTORIC RENOVATION PROGRAMME OF THE MOST ANCIENT, SACRED AND REVERED GARBHAGRIHA BELONGING TO THE GOWDA SARASWATS.

Respected Devotees,

                            The present generation of Gauda Saraswats are blessed with a very rare opportunity of  participating in the JEERNODHARA (Renovation) of the sacred Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of the ancient and most revered SRIMATH ANANTHESHWAR TEMPLE  atMANJESHWAR. Protecting the sanctity and maintaining the age-old traditional practices of the temple, indeed, is the responsibility of the entire community.

                        With divine guidance and blessings from our Poojya Guruvarya Kashimathadeesha Srimath Sudheendra Teertha Swamiji,necessary actions have been initiated. Poojya Guruvarya in His Ashirvachan has aptly said "This is the foremost (Prathama) Temple of the Gauda Saraswats, this temple does not belong to any single family, or to Manjeshwar town or even to the 18 petas (towns) who send their representatives to administer the temple, but belongs to the entire GSB community."

Historical Perspective:

                        According to a well known history researcher Sri Govind Pai, though the temple is  being managed by the GSB community for the past 1200 years, this temple dates back perhaps to the pre-Christian era . Also, the propounder of Dwaitha philosophy - Srimath Madhwacharya, the founder of the present Sri Kashi Math - Guruvarya Sri Vijayeendra Teertha, founder of Sri Natha Sampradaya-Sri Matsyendranath, and many other sages, Mathadipathis and also learned pilgrims like Sri Viroopaksha and Sri Ranga Sharma from KUSHASTHALI (Goa), mentioned in the Skanda Purana have visited and performed their penance in the holy precincts of this great shrine. Infact, Sri Madhwacharya had performed theShishya Sweekara ceremony of his eight disciples (of the Astha mathas) at Manjeshwar (Kanwateertha). Prior to this, He had visited and prayed at Srimath Anantheshwara Temple, which is named in "Madhwa Vijaya" as "NRISIMHAGEHA" - the abode of Lord Bhadra Narasimha.

Shri Devadarshana:

                        The Holy Oracle which used to manifest on a Brahmana popularly known as Devadarshana - with Its Divine grace and benevolence used to inspire thousands of devotees into absolute submission - for centuries together. This divine manifestation representing the Holiest of the Holy Deities in  the Garbhagriha became famous throughout the country for Its Divine power and astonishing dispensations. Innumerable are the recorded experiences of devotees whose problems were miraculously solved. Grateful devotees addressed Him respectfully as "DHANEE". It is 75 years since this phenomenon of Devadarshan has stopped. But still, the "Nade" (Place in front of the sanctorum) where the "Dhanee" used to interact with the devotees is still having the Saanidhya (divine vibrations) with the same divine manifestation fulfilling all prayers of the numerous faithful devotees visiting the temple. This Saanidhya (divine vibration) in the "NADE" is better experienced than explained.  

Through the last Millennium...        

                        But still, during the last millennium, the temple has witnessed several ups and downs, be it due to natural calamities, political upheavals, acts of ambitious petty rulers and also dacoits. In 1799 AD. after the death of Tippu Sultan one petty ruler from a nearby place had raided the temple causing extensive damage, and had also looted jewellery, silverware and other properties.       

On hearing this, the then Mathadipathi of Sri Kashi Math - Parampoojya Sri Sri Vibhudendra Teertha Swamiji, at the age of 17 walked all the way from Cochin and took upon Himself the onerous task of resurrecting and rebuilding the entire Kshethra. In 1804 AD Punarprathista was performed by His Holiness Himself.  

After 206 Years...

                        Due to natural deterioration process caused by the passage of time, the wooden roofing, the "Dalis", false ceilings etc. are either damaged or have become weak. On a representation by the chief priest, the temple management consulted experts on the subject. Thereafter, Poojya Guruvarya made a thorough study and also referred to Jyothish Prashna and pronounced His decision to renovate the temple on 31.01.2010 from the Holy precincts of the Garbhagriha...... Following this, in the general body meeting of 18 petas, a committee was formed to execute the project.  

Sacred Mahaseva requiring abundant caution: 

                        The Sanctum Sanctorum had the presiding Deity of Shri Bhadra Narasimha with Sri Sridevi and Sri Bhudevi, the  swayambhoo (self emerged) Linga of Srimath Anantheshwara and centuries old idols of Nagaroopi Sri Subramanya. Behind the Simhasana (altar) which is not visible to us is the sacred "ROHINI" or Ruvvani (in Konkani), an anthill - the abode of Sri VASUKI. The "Rohini" is surrounded by ancient idols of Sri Ugranarasimha, Sri Vedavyasa, Sri Keshava and many other deities. It is proposed to execute the renovation without displacing or disturbing the poojas and other rituals of all these Holy Deities.

                        The first phase of the renovation includes protecting the existing foundation and wall structure, and creating a new roof , Dali and ceilings, with pure teak. In the first phase, the roof will be covered with high purity copper and door frames, doors and frontage with new silver. One very ancient Shesha idol is damaged which needs replacement. Shri Maharudra Shrine needs total renovation, except for the foundation. The entire first phase has to be completed on a war footing. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 3 crores. We can start the sitework only after the major festivities, that is, after the Kirushashti at the end of January 2011, and to be complete by April 2011. With God's grace, poojya Guruvarya's blessings, and guidance and full support from our devout community, we hope to complete the project and present it before Lord Manjulesha and Poojya Guruvarya, on behalf of the entire GSB community. 

For the kind attention of Devotees:

It is our fervent wish that very rare, "Once in a lifetime" opportunity be utilised by each and every GSB. We request each community member to participate in the terms of "Tanu", "Mana" and "Dhana" and receive blessings from Shri Manjulesha and Parampoojya Guruvarya.

Please send your cheques, DD's to the above address in the name of "SRI GARBHAGRIHA JEERNODHARA SAMITHI", Srimath Anantheshwar Temple, Manjeshwar.

Else, you may remit amounts through ECS to Corporation Bank, Hosabettu Branch, Manjeshwar, or Corporation Bank, Pandeshwar Branch and send us an intimation giving your address and telephone numbers with details of ECS.

Donors contributing more than Rs. One Lakh will have the privilege of incorporating their / or their nominee's names on copper plates (Tamrashasana) which is to be displayed at the temple premises so as to inspire the future generations.

            Respected devotees, it was 206 years ago that Parampoojya Sri Vibhudendra Teertha Swamiji, with His vision, blessings, direction andTapobala gave us this wonderful sacred edifice of Divine power. With Shri Manjulesha's blessings, our community has progressed multifold economically, socially, and in other fields as well. We pray to God to give us all inspiration to share a part of our earnings as a seva to this sacred cause.

            Today, the temple is connected with a lot of busses running every 5 minutes from Mangalore. Good accommodation is available at Anantha Yathri Nivas. There are numerous festivals being celebrated in the temple through the year. Manjeshwar and its peaceful surroundings beckons you to visit and serve the Deity. 

            Please take this as our hearty invitation to participate in the Historic  JEERNODHARA of the Sri Garbhagriha. Please do join in and receive blessings of Shri Manjulesha and Parampoojya Guruvarya.

SRI GARBHAGRIHA JEERNODHARA SAMITHI

MEMBERS:

ADVISORY GROUP

Mangalore

We are grateful to our Respected Advisors,

- SRI GARBHA GRIHA JEERNODHARA SAMITHI

Srimath Anantheshwar Temple, Manjeshwar