Vijayapura
The fairs in North Karnataka are special. On the occasion of Chhatti Amavasya, lakhs of devotees from all over North Karnataka and other parts of Maharashtra come here for the Amoghasiddeshwara fair at Mammoottygudda in Arakeri Jalageri area of the district. This fair is known as Bhandaradodeyana Fair.
It is said that Shiva and Parvati appreciated the service of Amogha Siddheshwar and gave him special powers and asked him to serve the earth. Amogha Siddheshwar, who came to earth, worked for the welfare of the world. Amogha Siddeshwara, who lived thousands of years ago at Mummattigudda in the middle of Arakeri Jalageri village, has been performing many miracles to uplift the devotees. It is said that those who do not have children are blessed with children, wealth, and miracle men who solve the sufferings of the devotees. Amogha Siddeshwara Fair is held every year on chetty amavasya for three days. Another speciality here is that devotees from different villages carry palanquins for the fair.
The palanquins that come to the fair are filled with treasures and amidst the cheers of the devotees, a darshan of the magnificent Siddheshwara Gadduge is performed. Later, a palanquin dance is performed in front of the temple. Lakhs of devotees from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh participate in this fair. The entire fair is repository, with devotees taking vows throwing bhandara on the palanquins. Devotees participate in the fair for three days as bhandara fair and golden fair.
It is special that everyone, irrespective of caste, creed or creed, participates in this fair. This year’s Danammadevi fair at Guddapura and Amoghasiddeshwara fair at Arakeri are being celebrated together for three days, a large number of devotees participated.
