A Spiritual Retreat
SHRI MAHALASA NARAYANI, HARIKHANDIGE
Our beloved Kuladevata’s temple at the Shri Mahalasa Narayani Devi Kshetra at Harikhandige, a rural hamlet about 21 kms from Udupi, is unique in its own way. Firstly, when you enter from the main gate, it would appear as if you are entering a resort. Yes, a spiritual resort.
Originally conceived as a community hall for devotees to carry out spiritual and social activities, it has now transformed into a lively temple bustling with all sorts of spiritual activities as per Her directions. Nestled amidst hills & forests, the simple but beautiful temple is an ideal example of deep faith, devotion, dedication and sacrifice exhibited by Her devotees.
Devotees firmly believe that the all-pervading, all powerful, omnipotent Goddess Shri Mahalasa Narayani, in the celebrated form of Van Devata, grants Her grace to all those who submit to Her.
HIS HOLINESS GURUJI SHRI. SURESH J PAI
Devotees undoubtedly give credit to His Holiness Guruji Suresh J Pai. Guruji’s main aim, apart from of course the continuous worship of Shri Mahalasa Narayani, of enlightening our society through spiritual and religious awakening. This is one temple where the devotees are themselves encouraged to take part in several rituals, japa, tapa and so on. A devotee can himself/herself perform many rituals such as offering Abhishekha and Kumkumarchana to the Supreme Mother and Lord Gurudatta.
It is important to note here that His Holiness Guruji Shri Suresh J Pai has authored several books of which The Charitra of Goddess Shri Mahalasa Narayani is considered as the Bhagwad Gita for Kulavis and other followers of Shri Mahalasa Narayani.
SHRI GURU DATTA PADUKA
Apart from Shri Mahalasa’s main temple and the Datta Peetha, there are temples devoted to Lords such as Ganesha, Shiva, Rambhakta Hanuman, besides Navagraha & Nagadevata. There is also a Yajnamantap, where havans and homas in connection with frequent Anushtans are carried out by vaidiks coming in from various regions of Southern India, such as Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa, besides Karnataka.
Many astrologers, vaidiks and even common devotees have vouched for the presence of Shri Mahalasa Narayani at Harikhandige and have been fortunate enough to receive Her grace. Devotees and visitors are also inspired by the Narayani Teertha, the temple tank, which miraculously bore water in an area perennially short of the precious commodity. Indeed, it was by Her grace and directions to Guruji, the Teertha was sunk and water gushed out copiously even after many had given up hope.
Indeed the entire Kshetra was a barren, rocky wasteland: now it is lush and green with many varieties of flowering and fruit-bearing trees and plants, a miracle by itself, all thanks again to Shri Mahalasa Narayani’s grace and boundless efforts of the visionary Guruji.
A HUMBLE SERVICE AT THE LOTUS FEET OF SHRI GURUDEVA
