Karnataka: Family worships painting of Kannada goddess for 68 years

GADAG: Andanappa Doddameti, a politician of Jakli village, Ron taluk, played a vital role in the unification of Karnataka by motivating people to participate in that movement. His family has been worshipping the oil painting of Kannadambe (mother of Kannada) Bhuvaneshwari since 1953 to this day.
His grandson and Kannada activist Ravindranath Doddameti told TOI that Andanappa persuaded artist CN Patil to do the painting in 1953.He said this portrait has been worshipped by Kannadigas and carried in all processions and events till the unification of Karnataka.
He added: “It was a major attraction in all events of the unification movement. Those involved in the movement offered puja to this portrait and this painting became quite popular. Even after unification, people offered puja to the painting. Many organisations and activists made copies of it for worship.”
Professor CR Govindraju, dean, social science faculty, Kannada University, Hampi, mentioned the painting in his book ‘Kannadamma’. Andanappa, who was a minister in the Mysore government, worshipped the portrait at home till his death on February 21, 1972. “Since then, his family continues with the ritual,” Ravindranath said.
He added: “We preserved the original painting which measures 4.5ft x 3.5ft. We offer aarti in the morning and evening daily without fail. Many people visit our home to see it. They have got it reprinted for their offices, schools, colleges and other places.”
Govindaraju said: “We’re really proud of Andanappa and his family. In the painting are important elements like the statue of Lord Gomateshwara, Jog Falls, etc. This family is setting an example to others to nurture Kannada.”