Mangaluru: Shri Shri Nirmalnathji who is elected as the new Peetadhipati for Kadali Shri Yogeshwara (Jogi) Math entered the city along with followers via Kottara Chowki here, on February 26.
The ‘Navanath Zhundi’ which started from Mulki on February 25, reached Panambur and halted at Shri Nandaneshwara temple. The Zhundi came to Mangaluru on foot.
The ceremony is held once in every 12 years. By tradition, the Raja is elected in Triambakeshwar (Nashik) during the Kumbha Mela. Sadhus belonging to the 12 sects of the Nath Panth (Nateshwari, Ganganath, Kaplani, Bairagi, Sathyanath, Ayi, Dhariyanath, Ramanath, Kanhadi, Maan-nath, Pagal and Dwaja) elect the new ‘Raja’ in the presence of the President and Vice-President of ‘Akhila Bharath Varshiya Awadhuth Yogi Maha Sabha Bhek Bharaha Panth’, the organization that regulates the affairs of the different Nath Panth Maths in India. Only Sadhus of Nateshwari, Ganganath, Kaplani and Bairagi sects are eligible to get elected as ‘Rajas’ of Kadali Math. Thus, each sect gets its turn after 48 years. The new ‘Raja’ belongs to the Bairagi sect.
Nirmalnathji was accompanied by a troupe of more than 500 sadhus. Among the sadhus of the Zhundi are ‘Hatayogis’, professionals (3 Engineers and 2 Doctors) and 19 postgraduates. Yogi Rajendranath has been practicing Hatayoga for the past 15 years in standing posture.
Beginning today, the Kadali Math will witness cultural and spiritual performances till March 7. A ‘Hore Kanike’ procession is scheduled to take off from Mangaladevi temple at 3:30 PM on February 28, which will be led by Sri Vinayananda in the presence of temple trustee Sri Ramanath Hegde. This procession will pass through Kankanady, Mallikatte and then reach Kadri Temple. The coronation ritual of Nirmalnathji will be held on March 7.
Kadali Yogeshwar Math Peetadhipati has an important role in all the festivals of Kadri Manjunatha Temple. On the day of Car Festival, he leads on a horse in front of the chariot, a practice that has come from the time of Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath, who were responsible for the establishment of the Temple. They were also responsible for the establishment of Mangaladevi Temple. A day before the start of the annual festival of Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Peetadhipati of Yogeshwar Math offers prayer at Mangaladevi Temple seeking her blessings for the smooth running of the annual festival.
‘Zhundi’ visits Bunts alias Nadavara Mathr Sangha
One has to wonder why our obsession with religion doesn’t translate into improving our surrounding and quality of life? On any given day, one can see a number of events all over mangaluru. However, when it comes to ‘swachcha mangaluru’, only a few dedicated souls show up. How sad!!