Dharmasthala mass marriage sees 102 couples enter in to wedlock

DHARMASTHALA: The 48th annual mass marriage organised at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala during the auspicious goudhuli lagna saw 102 couples enter in to wedlock at the Amruthavarshini Hall on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, D Veerendra Heggade, dharmadhikari, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala presented the to-be-brides with saree, blouse piece and a shawl and dhoti to would-be-grooms along with a memento and blessed them to have a happy married life.
At Amruthavarshini hall, Heggade and the dignitaries distributed mangalsutra to the grooms and garlands to the bride and the couples accepted their chosen life partners at the appointed time amidst chanting of vedic hymns and rendition of ‘mangalavadhya’. The newly weds took an oath that they would accept their partners in happiness, sickness and sorrow and strive to lead a life of worthy citizens and without succumbing to any vices that breaks marriages.
Minister for health Shivanand Patil, chief guest, said religious rituals help in preserving societal values. The mass marriage that Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala conducts each year is a model to the country in that it promotes simple marriages and is also in sync with its larger societal goals that promote agriculture, health, education and entrepreneurship among the rural masses under the guidance and direction of Heggade and the various institutions that he manages.
Actor Shivaraj Kumar recalled having witnessed a mass marriage at Dharmasthala with his father and thespian Rajkumar 25-years ago. Shivaraj Kumar, who also belted out three songs much to the delight of the audience, also recalled the 54-days he spent in Dharmasthala shooting for his film Chigurida Kanasu. He also wished the newly weds all bliss and success in their new lives. Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja too wished the couples on this occasion.