An ever-elusive marriage in heaven

GULBARGA: If you thought only mortals like human beings negotiate a marriage and later break it, visit Chinamalli village on January 13 and 14 to witness Gods involve in similar act. Negotiation for dowry to be given by Mallikarjun deity to Bramarambika Devi  commences on January 13 every year. The Panchal family from the village are on par with Bramarambika Devi and the family of Police Patil negotiate on behalf of Lord Mallikarjun.This year, the Panchal family demanded the family of Police Patil to ask Mallikarjun deity to give 10 kg gold to Bramarambika if he wants to marry her. After much negotiations, the dowry was settled at `10,000. The idol of Bramarambika Devi was brought to the temple by the Panchal family on January 14 and was placed in the ‘maduve-mantapa.’ The idol of Mallikarjun was also brought and when the ‘akshata’ were to fall on  the would-be deities, Mallikarjun disappeared like every year.Shamrao Patil, one of the trustee of the temple, told Express that none of the villagers knew the history of the rituals being followed during the annual fair. No research has been conducted about Mallikarjun temple of Chinmalli which was probably built before 11th century.At about 8 pm, the idol of Mallikarjun deity is brought in a palanquin after bathing it in Bhima River and it would stand in the entrance of the village from 8 pm on January 14 up to 5 am, Januray 15.  Bhajans are chanted in front of the palanquin throughout the night. At 5 am on January 15, the deity would be taken to the temple and pujas would be offered. The same procedure is followed every year, Shamrao says.