Colourful Procession by Kadri Yogeshwara Math (Math) to mark ‘ Brahma Kalashotsava’ taken on Saturday, 4 February. The Punar Pratishta programme started with the Poorna Kumbha Shobha Yatre of Sri Nirmalanathaji at 9 am on Saturday. The Shobha Yatre moved via Padavu, Nanthoor, Mallikatte, Kadri Temple and Circuit House and culminated at the Math
Mangaluru: The Brahma Kalashotsava to mark the Punar Pratishtha of Sri Kala Byraveshwara deity at the historic Kadri Suvarna Kadali Sri Yogeshwara (Jogi) Math in Kadri in Mangaluru had begun on February 3 and culminating on February 6. Over one lakh devotees from across the country are expected to attend the celebrations, according to Brahma Kalashotsava Samithi President H.K. Purushottama. Devotees have come from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and other states to attend the celebrations.
Various committees and subcommittees under the guidance of Sri Yogeshwara Math Seer Sri Rajayogi Nirmalanathaji were formed for the successful conduct of the programme. It should be noted that Sri Nirmalanathaji, who ascended the Peetha in 2016, has undertaken several development works at the Mutt. Important among them is the renovation of the Sri Kalabhairaveshwara temple and surrounding structures at a cost of Rs 10 crore. The KalaByraveshwara idol, made of black granite brought from Gujarat, was installed at the renovated temple during the Punar Pratishta.
The Hasiru Horekanike from Kadri Manjunatha temple arrived at the Math at 3 pm on 3 February. And today, 4 February, the Punar Pratishta programme started with the Poorna Kumbha Shobha Yatra of Sri Nirmalanathaji at 9 am. The Shobha Yatra proceeded via Padavu, Nanthoor, Mallikatte, Kadri Temple and Circuit House and culminated at the Math. The 4 February evening will witness religious and stage programmes.
While Pancha Kundi Sri Rudra Yaga would be performed from 9 am on February 5, Sri Nirmalanathaji would perform the Chandika Havana at 5 pm followed by a stage programme. Installation of the Shikhara would take place from 7 am on February 6, followed by the installation of deities, including Sri Kala Byraveshwara and the Brahma Kalashotsava.
ABOUT JOGI MATH (MATH):
Jogi Math on Kadri Hill near Kadri Park is the most important Maths of the Jogi or Nath sect that is spread from Nepal to Kanyakumari. Who are the Jogis or Naths? According to the scholarly book by George Weston Briggs, titled Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis, first published in 1938, the followers of Gorakhnath are known as Yogi, as Gorakhnathi and as Darsani, but most distinctly as Kanphata. The first of these names refer to their traditional practice of Hatha Yoga, second to the name of their reputed founder, the third to the huge ear-rings which are (were) one of their distinctive marks and the fourth to their unique practice of having the cartilage of their ears split for the insertion of the ear-rings.
In Punjab, in the Himalayas, in Mumbai and elsewhere they are often called Natha, which is a general term meaning ‘Master’. Women of the sect are called Nathni. In western India, they are generally known as Dharma Mati, after the famous disciple of Gorakhnath, by that name. In other parts of India, the names Kanphata and Gorakhnath are commonly used. The word Yogi, which is common in Karnataka, is a general descriptive term, applied to many who do not belong to the Kanphatas. It has many shades of meaning ranging from saints to sorcerers. It is also a general term for ascetics, particularly for those who are endeavouring, by restraint and discipline of the body, to secure union with Brahman.
It may be noted that the use of the word Kadali (later corrupted into Kadri) has its own background. The word Kadali may evoke the image of a variety of bananas. But, the other significance of the word is that it refers to the middle of a forest associated with, or suitable for, observing tapasya. Mangalore’s Kadali is associated with great saints of the Nath sect. It is in the Kadalivanam or Muktivana, Shiva, in his avatar as Manjunatha, blessed the Nath sect founder Machhendranath and his disciple, Gorakhnath, and indicated the way to Mukti through the yogic route. The place has the samadhis of many gurus of the sect.
The religious head of this Jogi Math, called Raja or Arasu, is appointed every twelve years. He is selected during the Kumbh Mela, observed once in every twelve years, at the Trimbakeshwar Temple near Nashik. Traditionally, the selected Raja travels on foot, with some followers, covering a distance of over 1150 km and stretching six months, halting on the way in some 79 Nath centres and receiving their hospitality and devotion. The route and halts cover Nashik, Sinnar, Pune, Satara, Karad, Khollapur, Belgaum, Londa, Yellapur, Sirsi, Barkur, Udipi, Mulki and Panambur. It is said that one of the rajas of the time, who chewed tobacco, encouraged Puthu Vainkunta Shet (PVS), the founder of the beedi business, to start it in 1906.
The designated Raja brings with him Patradevata which is first temporarily installed in the Math. After the arrival of the party from Nashik, within 10 to 15 days, of Mahshivaratri, the new raja is enthroned. The Patradevata is also installed in its permanent place. One of his public duties is to ride a decorated horse in the courtyard of Kadri Manjunatha temple during its annual festival and order the commencement of the Ratha pulling by declaring “Avo Beta Manjunatha” (Come Son, Manjunatha).
