Madhur Sri Siddhivinayaka: Grand Moodappa Seve held after 33 years; lakhs witness divine darshan

Kasaragod: The long-awaited Moodappa Seve of Madhur Sri Siddhivinayaka was performed with grandeur and devotion on the night of April 5, attracting lakhs of devotees from across the region. The rare ritual, which was held after 33 years, concluded on Sunday morning with a spectacular darshan of the deity at sunrise.

Devotees formed long queues well before dawn on Sunday to witness the sacred event known as ‘Udayapoopa Parvatha Pooje’, where the idol of Lord Ganesha is revealed from within a massive offering made of various sweetmeats, especially laddus.

Rituals steeped in tradition

On Saturday night, rituals began under the leadership of Brahmashri Uliyattaya Vishnu Asra. The main deity was taken in a ceremonial procession to Uliyattadka, followed by traditional offerings, fire rituals (homas), and the symbolic covering of the deity with a hill-like structure of sweet offerings called Poopa Parvatha. The structure was sealed until the designated time.

At precisely 6:20 AM on Sunday, the sealed doors were opened, revealing the radiant image of Lord Siddhivinayaka emerging from the mound of offerings. Special poojas, abhisheka, and the distribution of the sacred Moodappa prasada followed.

A grand Ashta Dravya Mahaganapati Yaga using 128 sacred ingredients was also conducted, along with a range of traditional rituals like Shayana Kalpane, Jalaka Bali, Katte Pooje, Avabrutha Snana in the temple pond, and Rajaangana Prasada.

Massive turnout of devotees

Over one lakh devotees gathered for the event, with queues stretching up to 4 km from Uliyattadka to Madhoor and another long line from Koly. Special arrangements were made for the elderly, differently abled, and mothers with infants to have quicker access to the darshan.

Around 2,000 volunteers managed the crowd and ensured order across the 8 km stretch surrounding the temple. Young women volunteers particularly drew praise for their efficient traffic regulation.

VVIPs visit temple

Several dignitaries visited the temple on the occasion. These included Manila Sri Dham’s Mohanadas Paramahamsa Swamiji, industrialist K.K. Shetty, advocate P.V. Vinayan, actress Bhavyashree, and social activist Puneeth Kerehalli, among others.

Support arrangements

The local BMS unit arranged for free watermelon distribution and drinking water. Devotees were also served breakfast (uppittu, green gram, tea, coffee), lunch, evening snacks, and dinner at the temple premises.

The successful conduct of the Moodappa Seve after more than three decades turned Madhoor into a spiritual epicentre, bringing together tradition, devotion, and community effort on an unforgettable scale.