Karnataka: Ukrainian family offers seva to daiva

MANGALURU: A Ukrainian family offered seva to coastal demigod Koragajja in Dakshina Kannada district's Bantwal taluk in a thanksgiving gesture after their young son recovered from a chronic health condition during a three-month stay here.
IT professional Andrew, his wife Elena and their eight-year-old son Maxim offered Agelu seva to Koragajja deity at Govinathota of Pudu village in Bantwal taluk's Farangipete on Friday night. Agelu seva is a religious offering made on a bamboo tray. This is usually offered after a vow is fulfilled.
Tharanath Kottari, a member of the Govinathota gaushala, told TOI that Maxim had high blood sugar and the Ukrainian family met Bhaktibhushan Prabhuji, who propagates natural cure based on desi cow products, during a visit to his gaushala in Udupi's Malpe town.
The child, who was rendered physically weak due to the health condition, recovered after following the nature therapy suggested by Prabhuji. The family lived in a rented house, next to the gaushala, for three months during the period of the treatment," Kottari said.
About a month ago, Andrew and his family had participated in an Agelu seve held at a Koragajja shrine in Govinathota and the demigod had assured the family of an early and lasting cure for the child. "With the child turning the corner as stated by the demigod, the family offered Agelu seva to Koragajja at Govinathota on Friday and left for Ukraine on Saturday," Kottari said.
He said Andrew's family developed a strong bond with the gaushala, desi cow products and the region's culture after their close interaction with the community for more than three months. Andrew started taking part in many activities conducted by the gaushala, which hosts nearly 40 indigenous breeds of desi cows.
According to Dayananda G Kathalsar, former chairman of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, Agelu seva is a ritual of offering prayers to Koragajja by serving meal, including parboiled rice, horse gram-spinach curry and palm nectar. Some devotees serve mackerel fish, chakkuli (a snack), betel leaves and arecanut to Koragajja. Traditionally, the offering is made on 'thadpe' (a tray made of bamboo strips). "Nowadays, people also serve chicken curry and other dishes as offering to the demigod," he said.