Padayatra held on 22nd death anniversary of former Gavi mutt seer

Koppal: A padayatra was organised on Sunday morning to mark the 22nd death anniversary of the Late Shivashanthaveera Swamiji, who served as the 17th pontiff of Gavi Mutt. The foot march commenced at Sri Male Malleshwara Temple on the city outskirts and proceeded through Gadag Road, Ashok Circle, and Gadiyara Kamba before reaching its destination at Gavi Mutt. Thousands of devoted followers assembled at Sri Male Malleshwara Temple as early as 5.30am for the annual commemoration. The current seer, Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji, performed mangalarati before a portrait of the Late Shivashanthaveera Swamiji, which was mounted on a tractor trolley. The procession then began with hundreds of devotees following Swamiji to Gavi Mutt. Late Shivashanthaveera Swamiji's notable contributions include establishing an Ayurvedic College and providing free accommodation for underprivileged students. Under his leadership, the annual car festival at Gavi Mutt became one of the state's largest religious gatherings. The procession saw participation from various mutt heads, former MLA K Basavaraj Hitnal, and other prominent figures.