Belthangady: The sound of gaggara is set to return to the historic Posaradaka shrine in Marodi village of Belthangady taluk after a gap of nearly 29 years, marking a significant cultural and religious revival in the region.

The Posaradaka Sri Daiva Kodamanithaya, Sri Vyaghra Chamundi Daivasthana and Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi, considered one among the 66 traditional garadis of Tulunadu, had witnessed grand nema festivals until 1997. However, religious activities came to a halt thereafter, leaving the shrine neglected for decades.

Over the years, devotees stayed away from the site, offering prayers from a distance. Locals reported that several challenges began affecting the village, while parts of the structure also deteriorated.

Following traditional Ashta Mangala Prashna consultations, it was suggested that the shrine’s restoration should take place after the renovation of the nearby Deraje Betta. After completing that effort, villagers collectively took up the restoration of the Posaradaka garadi, leading to the revival of its past glory.

The shrine has historically drawn devotees not only from Marodi but also from neighbouring villages and regions including Moodbidri and Belthangady.

The renovation work began with a foundation ceremony in 2023 and has now been completed through community effort and voluntary service. The reconstructed shrine includes dedicated structures for Kodamanithaya, Vyaghra Chamundi and Brahma Baidarkala.

The Brahmakumbhabhisheka is scheduled to be held from April 28 to May 1 under the honorary leadership of Dr Padma Prasad Ajila of the Aladangady royal family.

During the restoration process, it was also revealed through traditional consultations that Vyaghra Chamundi holds a principal deity status at the site. Following this, a separate shrine was constructed, which accelerated the completion of the entire project, said Aditya P K.

Posaradaka is one among the 32 villages under the Ajila administrative region. Local representatives stated that the revival of the shrine has been made possible through collective effort and devotion of the villagers.