By Purushotham Agni
The air in K.R. Nagar is thick with the scent of camphor and the resonant echoes of the Kombu-Kahale. We are witnessing the 2026 Sri Kshetra Kappadi Jatra Mahotsava, a month-long spiritual odyssey that transforms the banks of the Cauvery into a living canvas of the Manteswamy tradition.
The Divine Leadership: Shri Varchasvi Buddhi
The heart of this year’s celebrations is the young and visionary seer, Paramapujya Shri M.L. Varchasvi Srikanta Siddalinga Raje Urs Buddhi Mahaswamigalu. As the Peethadhyaksha of the Malavalli Sri Manteswamy Mutt, Adi Honnayakanahalli Mutt, and the Sri Kappadi Mutt, he carries a dual legacy—the spiritual weight of the Siddhas and the royal lineage of the Raje Urs family. Under his divine grace “Divya Netrutva,” the 2026 Jatre has taken on a modern, “Parrisara Snehi” (Eco-friendly) mission, urging devotees to protect the sacred Cauvery.
The Journey: From Arkeshwara to the Gates of Kappadi
The journey began with a profound visit to the Arkeshwara Temple, invoking the blessings of the ancient deity. Like the Venkateswara Suprabhatam awakening the hills, this visit awakened the spirit of the fair.
The procession then moved to Chandagalu village, where the “Gaurava” (Honour) and Poojas offered by the devotees showcased the deep-rooted bond between the Mutt and the common man. Every street was a temple, every welcome a testament to the Manteswamy Kavya.
Hale Kappadi: The Threshold of Power
Before the final entry into the main Kshetra, the procession halted at Hale Kappadi (Old Kappadi). This is where the energy shifts. Here, amidst the heavy thumping of drums and a “tribal pulse” that feels like a modern rhythmic anthem, Swamiji performed sacred rituals for:
- The Silver Sattige (Sacred Umbrella): The symbol of divine sovereignty.
- The Pattada Basava: The ceremonial bull representing Dharma.
This ritual is the “Permission of the Lineage,” ensuring that the entry into the main shrine is grounded in ancestral protocol.
The Pura Pravesha: Entering the Final Door
“Kappadi embudu bhulokada Kailasa kaniro…”
(Behold, Kappadi is the Kailasa of this Earth…)
At exactly 12:30 PM, the “Pura Pravesha” (Ceremonial Entry) took place. Known as the “Final Door to All Good Things,” this moment is the climax of the devotee’s pilgrimage. As the Silver Sattige gleams under the sun and the Malavalli Mutt band plays with royal fervor, the gates of the Shri Raachappaji Punya kshetra open to thousands.
The Kappadi Jatre 2026 is more than a fair; it is a renewal of faith. Whether it is the serene start at Arkeshwara or the high-octane “Pura Pravesha,” the presence of Shri Varchasvi Buddhi ensures that the tradition of Manteswamy and Raachappaji remains a vibrant, living force. As we stand on the banks of the Cauvery, we realize that entering Kappadi is not just about visiting a temple—it is about finding the Kailasa within.
By
Purushotham Agni
Journalist & Academician
Ask Mysuru Digital media
