News n Visuals : Anand Kumar Barkur
Barkur, June 17, 2026: In a spiritually charged gathering that brought together thousands of devoted followers, the historic Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple of Barkur Kote Keri — a revered deity of the Tulu Nadu region — witnessed a momentous collective prayer ceremony on Wednesday, marking the formal commencement of its long-awaited comprehensive renovation project.
The sacred event was organized to seek divine blessings for the unhindered and timely completion of the temple's restoration, known locally as Jeernoddhara. Devotees assembled in large numbers to offer the traditional Mushti Kanika — a symbolic fistful offering — as a gesture of personal commitment and contribution toward the sacred cause. A grand Mahapuje was performed, with prayers ascending collectively from every corner of the congregation, imploring the deity to ensure the renovation proceeds without obstacle.
On this auspicious occasion, the official appeal letter (Manavipatra) outlining the scope and vision of the comprehensive renovation was formally released in the presence of distinguished dignitaries.
Among those who graced the event were Renovation Committee President Suggi Sudhakar Shetty, Honorary President Sri Vitthal S. Hegde Belgam, Administrative Trustee Sri Manjunath Rao, Executive President Shantaram Shetty, and Sri Anand C. Kundar Kota, Chairman of the Managing Board of Kota Amrutheshwari Temple. Reflecting the inclusive and communal spirit of the occasion, Rev. Father Ronald Miranda of Barkur St. Peter's Church also participated as a prominent guest, symbolizing interfaith solidarity.
The gathering was further enriched by the presence of Vedamurti Sri Ramesh Bhat Nayarbettu, advocate Sri Vijayakumar Shetty Havaralu, Sri Akash Raj Jain, Sri Annayya Serigara, Vice President Sri Chandrashekhar Shetty, Committee Secretary Srinivas Shetty, Sri Srinivasa Shettigara Ranganakere, journalist Sri K.C. Rajesh, orator Sri Damodara Sharma Barkur, Sri Srinivasa Udupi Koodli, Sri Ganesh Bhat Nayar Bettu, Sri Ganapathi Bhat, Sri B. Ramachandra Kamath, Sri Udayakumar Shetty, Sri Janardhan Devadiga, Sri Devadas Hoskere, Sri Shreyas Shetty, Sri Harish Karje, Sri Kusa L. Kundar Hoskere, Sri Ganesh Balegara, Sri Krishna, Sri Rakshith Barkur, Sri Manjayya Hegde Champadi, Sri Manjunath Pujari, Sri Vinay Kumar, and Smt. Umadevi Devadiga, along with members of the Renovation Committee, the Managing Committee, the Rajdhani Raja Youth Club, temple priests, and a multitude of devotees.
The proceedings were eloquently compered by orator Sri Damodara Sharma Barkur, who guided the event with grace and devotion throughout.
The ceremony concluded on a note of community warmth with a grand Maha Annasantarpane — a large-scale communal feast — offered as a service to all those present, staying true to the temple's tradition of hospitality and collective celebration.
