President of the Sharanabasaveshwar Vidya Vardhak Sangha Dakshayini addressing presspersons in Kalaburagi on Monday.
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI
The Sharanabasaveshwar Jatra Mahotsava, an annual car festival, will be held on Sunday at the sprawling Sharanabasaveshwar Shrine in Kalaburagi, marking the 204th death anniversary of the 18th-century social reformer and saint Sharanabasaveshwara.
Addressing a press conference at the Dasoha Mahamane here on Monday, president of Sharanabasaveshwar Vidya Vardak Sangha Dakshayini said that the Rathotsava is one of the most significant events in the samsthan calendar.
The day will also commemorate the 204th Peetarohana of the Peetadipathi. Traditional rituals and special pujas will be performed at the shrine and at the decorated temple chariot before the procession begins.
Dr. Dakshayini underlined that Sharanabasaveshwara gave new meaning to the culture of Dasoha, transforming it into a way of life across Kalyana Karnataka and beyond. The sacred fire lit over 250 years ago in the Mahamane kitchen continues to burn, feeding thousands of devotees every day.
An emotionally overwhelmed Dr. Dakshayini said that for the first time in more than four decades, the Jatra Mahotsava will miss the charismatic presence of the eighth Mahadasoha Peetadipathi of the samsthan, late Sharanbaswappa Appa.
She affirmed that the principles and philosophy upheld by Dr. Appa will continue to guide the samsthan and that all his dreams will be realised through unwavering hard work and dedication.
For the first time, the ninth Mahadasoha Peetadipathi Doddappa Appa, under her guidance and that of sangha secretary Basavaraj Deshmukh, will perform all the religious rituals preceding the Rathotsava, marking a moment of both transition and continuity in the samsthan’s sacred tradition.
Awards
As part of the annual celebrations, the samsthan will confer the prestigious Appaji Award on Sri Abhinava Siddalinga Shivacharya of the Kattimani Hiremath Samsthan at Mugulnagaon of Kalaburagi district.
The Dasoha Jnana Ratna Award will be presented to Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, who is also president of the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha. His wife will receive the annual Avva award in recognition of her service to society.
New chariot
The newly constructed temple ratha, crafted from precious Karungali wood generously donated by Mr. Khandre, will be used for the Rathotsava for the first time. During the annual car festival, the majestic new chariot, artistically designed and richly adorned, is expected to be the cynosure of all eyes.
Devotees from across Karnataka and neighbouring States are expected to participate in the Rathotsava, a celebration that symbolises communal harmony.
Published – March 02, 2026 06:59 pm IST
