Series 4: Kapudaappe: Miracle Response by Mahima S Hegde
And so we call her Kapudappe……
Here is a response to the blog on the miracles by Ms. Mahima S Hegde, practicing Architect, Udupi, who experienced Appe’s miracles in her life….read on….
Mahima has an immediate connection with Ambalpadi, the other abode of the Goddess in Udupi town, where alongside Janardana, like in Kapu, resides Goddess Mahakali. Mahima shares in this piece about her experiences with Kapudaappe.
I reside in Ambalpadi, an equal place for the power of the goddess Mahakali. While Kapudaappe takes care of her people from her gudi in Kapu, Mahakali Appe takes care of us. Since I am from Palli, I must hasten to add that we have a Marigudi in Palli. Our Maripooje in Palli coincides with Kapudaappe’s Maripooje. Hence, we do find it difficult at times to attend both the gudis for offerings. Yet, there is one ritual that we follow every year during Maripooje, and that is that which my Amma does diligently. She makes it a point to give one seva to Kapudaappe through anyone who attends the temple, just in case we are unable to. And invariably, one day or another of the year, Kapudaappe makes it a point to call us to see her in her full form, and that is a blessing to me and my family.
In fact, my Amma has another ritual that she has followed to date, and that is when any of the younger folks in the family are struck by chicken pox. The first prayer goes out to Kapudaappe, and a seva is offered to her. Amma also has this practice of placing agel for Appe where three roads intersect; for this practice, she believes, it guards us from all sickness. And one does experience this in real life, and as progeny, we continue with these practices. These established, well-structured, and ceremonial practices are what enable us to experience the power of the Appe.
Also, I have personally experienced Appe in many ways. I have this habit of praying for a safe journey every time we pass her. Since she resides so close to the highway, praying to her after a quick pause on the road is a must for me. I believe that it is my faith and belief in that small prayer that I send to Kapudaappe that guards me and brings me back home each time I travel that way. There have been times when I have either been preoccupied with some other thought or engaged in a conversation that I pass by and forget to pray to her, or at times it is simply a bad mood or any other anger. I have experienced that there has either been a small mishap that day or the task undertaken is unfulfilled. To me, it implies that Appe has reprimanded me for having forgotten to have thought of her, offered her my salutation, and sought her blessings. Of course, it has never been a harsh whipping, for I quickly send her a silent prayer each time. I have skipped the prayer, but a mild rebuke from a mother to her child who has been naughty. After all, it is a mother who disciplines her child and ensures her child is safe and protected at the same time. So one does not resent her rebuke, nor does one despise it, but disciplines you. This practice of bowing in prayer and offering her a quiet pause each time I pass by her gudi has now become a ritual in my life, and I happily tend to this practice because the protection and joy it gives me is something invaluable.
Contribution by Ms. Mahima S Hegde.
Her dwelling, the devasthana, may have been moved to a better place where larger numbers can flock to seek her protection. Just as we make offerings to rebuild our homes and create more space, our mother needs us to build her new home. The Appe calls us all to come forward and experience her presence in our lives as we together create a new history of her existence.
Note:
The renovation work is at speed of the temple, if you would like to donate please access the link: https://www.srihosamarigudikaup.org/contact-us/
