Hubli Gets New Spiritual Destination: Shringeri Jagadguru Inaugurates Shivashakti Dhama

Hubballi: The long-cherished dream of Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman of VRL Group of Companies, came true with the inauguration of Sri Shivashakti Dhama on Thursday. The temple complex, built near Palikoppa, Hubballi, for the propagation of Hindu culture and unity, was named ‘Sri Shivashakti Dhama’ by the Jagadguru of Sringeri Sharada Peetha Sri Vidhushekhar Bharati Mahaswamiji.   

The Jagadguru also named the Shivalinga installed in Shivashakti Dhama as ‘Anandeshwara’, Chandikeshwari Mata as ‘Jnanaambike’, and Vinayaka as ‘Vijaya Ganapati’. He also performed the Pranapratishtha of the idols of Adityaadi Navagrahas, Shanaishwara Swamy, and Kshetrapala Kalabhairaveshwara in the auspicious Muhurta of Magha Shukla Trayodashi and performed the Kumbhabhisheka along with Brahmakalasharohana.

The Jagadguru of Sringeri, who arrived at the Palikoppa Kshetra on Wednesday evening, was welcomed with Purnakumbha. After seeing the entire premises of the temple, the Jagadguru expressed his happiness and said that there is no doubt that this will become a big Kshetra (pilgrim centre).

A team of more than 100 Ritwijas from Sringeri Peetha performed the Vedic rituals of the religious program for the past two days, starting with Sthala Shuddhi and Nandi Puja, and performed the Ashtabandha Pranapratishtha with various Homa-Havana and Guru Paduka Puja.

The religious rituals that started from Brahma Muhurta on Thursday finally concluded with the Abhishek of Brahmakalashateertha and Mahapuja by the Jagadguru. The Jagadguru himself performed the Abhishek and offered prayers to the Panchkalashas installed on the Brihat Garbha Gopura and Raja Gopura.

The program was attended by Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman of VRL Group of Companies, Lalita Sankeshwar, Managing Director Anand Sankeshwar, Directors Vani Sankeshwar, Vijayananad Travels MD Shiva Sankeshwar and all members of the Sankeshwar family, relatives. MLC B.G.Patil, BJP spokesperson Hariprakash Kone, Sringeri Peetha administrator P.A.Muruli, advisor Dr.Gaurishankar and other dignitaries participated in the ceremony.

Though lakhs of people from Hubballi, Dharwad and other places expressed their desire to come for the inauguration of the temple, no invitation was extended to the public due to the need to ensure that there is no hindrance to the rituals, customs and traditions of the religious program. Only a few dignitaries were invited.