The ongoing annual festival at Shri Siddharoodha Mutt in Hubballi unites thousands in a grand celebration of faith, community, and cultural heritage.
Published Mar 01, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 01, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Siddharoodha Jatre. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The festival, which commenced on 21 February and continues until 1 March 2025, features grand processions, bhajans, spiritual discourses, and rituals deeply rooted in history and faith.
The Siddharoodha Jatre, one of Karnataka’s most revered spiritual gatherings, is currently underway at Shri Siddharoodha Swami’s Mutt in Hubballi.
Devotees from across India have come together to participate in this centuries-old tradition, paying homage to the great saint Sri Siddharoodha Swami.
The festival, which commenced on 21 February and continues until 1 March 2025, features grand processions, bhajans, spiritual discourses, and rituals deeply rooted in history and faith.
Sri Siddharoodha Swami, a revered saint and spiritual reformer, is remembered for his teachings of universal brotherhood and his commitment to breaking caste barriers in worship.
Known as a ‘Sadhu Emperor,’ he constructed the Kailasa temple in Hubballi without windows and doors—symbolising an open invitation to all, regardless of background. His philosophy of equality continues to inspire devotees who flock to the annual Jatre seeking solace and enlightenment.
“The beauty of Siddharoodha Swami’s teachings is that he embraced all. His mutt has been a sanctuary for people from every walk of life,” said Mahesh Kulkarni, a devotee from Belagavi. “The energy here during the Jatre is overwhelming—one truly feels the presence of divinity.”
Sri Siddharoodha Swami is a revered saint and spiritual reformer. (supplied)
As the festival progresses, thousands of devotees continue to take part in a series of spiritually enriching events.
The grand processions, featuring the revered palanquin and chariot, began on 26 February, moving through the streets of Hubballi. The air reverberated with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” as devotees carried sacred relics in a vibrant display of faith.
On Maha Shivratri, the mutt became a place of deep devotion, with devotees engaging in an all-night vigil, offering prayers and performing bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva and Sri Siddharoodha Swami.
The Kaudi Puja, a ritual rooted in simplicity, saw offerings made using earthen vessels for prasadam and water, echoing Sri Siddharoodha’s teachings on humility.
1008 women carrying sacred water pots. (Supplied)
The ongoing Kirtana sessions by Sri Gurunatha Shastri have drawn massive crowds, as he delves into the life of Siddharoodha and the significance of Vedanta in everyday living.
Among the many remarkable moments of the festival, a historic event took place on 19 February when over 9,000 women participated in a Kumbha and Aarti procession.
Carrying sacred scriptures on their heads, they moved through the streets while chanting Shiva’s name, creating an unforgettable display of devotion and faith.
“This is my fourth year attending the Jatre, and every time I leave with a renewed sense of peace,” shared Nandini Patil, a visitor from Dharwad. “The discipline and devotion displayed here are beyond words. It’s not just a festival; it’s an experience that transforms you.”
Adding to the spiritual significance, the World Vedanta Parishad commenced on 20 February, bringing together esteemed saints and scholars.
Over 250 religious leaders have gathered to discuss Vedantic principles, emphasizing world peace and the relevance of ancient wisdom in modern times.
The Jatre in full splendour. (Supplied)
With an expected footfall of over four lakh devotees, the festival stands as a logistical marvel, blending tradition with meticulous planning.
The Dasoha tradition continues at Kailasa Mandapam, where thousands of devotees are served free meals daily, embodying the spirit of community service.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, over 50 new sanitation facilities and temporary accommodations have been set up, ensuring a seamless experience for devotees.
Adding to the cultural significance of the festival, 54 new books on Siddharoodha’s teachings are being released, further enriching the spiritual legacy of the event.
This year’s Jatre carries added significance as the centenary of Sri Siddharoodha Swami’s legacy. The Jyoti Yatra, which began in Chalakapur in December, covered 16 districts across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka before culminating at Hubballi.
Centuries-old traditions come alive at the jatre. (Supplied)
The journey symbolised spiritual unity beyond geographical boundaries.
“This is not just a festival for Karnataka; it is a pilgrimage that calls people from all corners of the country,” expressed Mahendra Singh, a member of the mutt. “Sri Siddharoodha’s influence is truly timeless.”
As the festival moves into its final days, the spirit of Siddharoodha Jatre remains as vibrant as ever, carrying forward the saint’s message of unity, humility, and devotion.
Whether through the rhythmic beats of bhajans, the sacred rituals, or the grand processions, devotees leave Hubballi not just with blessings but with an unwavering faith that transcends the boundaries of time and tradition.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
