Padubidri (Udupi district): Temples should serve as centres for the practice of religion and culture, said Sri Gurudev Dattan Odiyoor Mutt seer Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji.
He was speaking after inaugurating a religious gathering held as part of the Brahmakalashotsava at Sri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple in Padubidri on April 30. He also blessed the devotees on the occasion.
Referring to the temple construction, he said that a grand shrine for Lord Shiva had been established through charitable contributions, with the support of philanthropist Prakash Shetty. He wished that all devotees cultivate good thoughts and values.
Udupi district JD(S) president Yogish Shetty Balaji and Jnanasudha Institutions founder Sudhakar Shetty also addressed the gathering.
MLA Suresh Shetty Gurme, Mahesh Anchan, Upendra Shetty (Bengaluru), Sandeep Kumar Manja, Srikanth Upadhyaya, Santur Bhaskar Shetty, Dharmapala Devadiga, Mahesh Shetty (Mumbai), Ermala Uday Shetty, Suggi Sudhakar Shetty and District Religious Council member Krishnamurthy were present.
Mahesh Shetty (Mumbai), Petemane Ravindra Shetty and family members, Ashwini Girish Bhat (Hyderabad), Dayakar Shetty (Padubidri) and Ermala Uday Shetty were felicitated on the occasion. Karunakar Tokur was also honoured.
Friends from Bengaluru visited Padubidri and congratulated Prakash Shetty.
Dr K Prakash Shetty welcomed the gathering. The programme was compered by Damodara Sharma. A devotional music programme titled "Bhaktigana Sudha" entertained the audience.