Special devotee services

English

Special devotee services

The most prominent service delivered by devotees over the fulfilment of their wishes is the Thudara Bali, which takes place on all four days during the fair. The first day of Thudara Bali is conducted by Padyodi Guttu, which is the Marakada community itself. It is believed that people from this community constructed the chariot that lies at the temple. This service is hence the most prominent kind of acknowledgement delivered to Kodamanithaya by the devotees.

Also, it is ritualistic for devotees to provide the temple a pair of tender coconuts as a form of gratitude to the deity. Since Kodamanithaya had first appeared at this spot with a pair of tender coconuts in hand alongside a lamp, this ritual has prevailed as a symbol of that.

The golden crown that the devotees can see at the temple is the undisputable evidence for the powers of the residing deity. Like it is believed that the strength of an elephant is yielded through its chain, the strength of a horse through its shoe; the spirits have their own means of yielding power. However, at this Kshetra, it is this golden crown that allows the paathri to embody the spirit.

The torch lights and hammer weapons are also of importance here. For the ones who belive Kodamanithaya to be God, he is; and for the ones who believe he is a spirit, he is that as well. In all, Kodamanithaya is the very essence of existence at Thodar, who has sustained the village for so long and shall always guard it to be an idealistic spot.