In a remarkable display of devotion and determination, a man from a remote Karnataka village has embarked on a long pilgrimage on foot to Ayodhya, carrying a substantial load of wheat with a heartfelt prayer for the nation's prosperity.
The Journey Begins with a Sacred Load
Kedaralinga Kumbar, a resident of Balaganur village in Sindagi taluk, Vijayapura district, has started a padayatra (journey on foot) to Ayodhya. He is not traveling light; he is carrying a bundle containing 56 kilograms of wheat on his shoulders. To prepare for this arduous undertaking, Kumbar had been rigorously practising by walking approximately 20 kilometres every day while carrying a similar load.
A Mission Rooted in Faith and Farming
Kedaralinga Kumbar's mission is driven by a profound spiritual and social objective. He is undertaking this journey to pray to Lord Ram with a specific wish: that every household in the country should own at least one cow. He firmly believes that cow protection is intrinsically linked to national well-being.
He articulates a vision where widespread cow ownership would eliminate poverty. His logic connects bovine care with agricultural revival. Kumbar posits that if every family has a cow, it will naturally lead all farmers to adopt organic farming practices, using cow-based products as natural fertilisers and pesticides. This shift, he believes, will create a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem for the nation.
Community Support Fuels the Pilgrimage
Kumbar is not alone in his endeavour. He was accompanied by four other associates from his village when he set out. During his journey, he made a stop in Afzalpur for a break before resuming his walk on Wednesday.
The group has been met with overwhelming generosity from the public. Gurupadappa, one of Kumbar's companions, reported that they are receiving an immense and positive response from people along their route. Locals are volunteering to help by providing food and other necessary amenities for the pilgrims.
"There is no lack of helpful people in India," Gurupadappa stated, highlighting the communal spirit. He added that many are expressing their support and sending their prayers by serving and assisting Kedaralinga throughout his challenging journey.
Kedaralinga Kumbar estimates that his padayatra will take approximately two months to complete before he finally reaches the sacred temple town of Ayodhya. His steps carry not just wheat, but a message of rural aspiration, ecological farming, and deep faith.
