Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Dec 18: The Champashashti festival took place on December 18 at the historically renowned Sri Mahalingeshwara and Sri Kalinga (Subramanya) temples in Kalavara.

Under the guidance of Tantri Kota Krishna Somayaji, religious rituals commenced at 4:30 am, including Abhisheka, Panchamrita pooja, Mangalarati, Hannukayi, Hoovukayi, Kalasha Samarpane, Karpoora Arati, Darshan of Lord, Veda Parayana, Made Pradakshine, Kalashabisheka, Mahamangalarati, Sandarshana, Pradakshine, Pallapooje, and continued until 1 pm.

In the evening, a Bhajana programme was organized by Mahila Bhajana Mandali, followed by an entertainment program by Shashti Balaga Kalavara and Ranga Pooja to Sri Mahalingeshwara.

In the morning on December 19, various rituals were conducted, including Halu Hittina Seve, Nagamandalotsava, Kattukattale Seve, Tulabhara, Shree Kshethra Pradakshine, Sri Kshetrapala Pooja, Tenginakayi Seve to Sri Bhootharaya Swamy, and Sandarshana. From 7 pm to 12 midnight, a Kalamiti Yakshagana play was presented by Halady Mela.

The festival is known for devotees offering vows related to marriage, children, and skin diseases to Lord Subramanya, believed to bestow blessings. Special silver shapes are offered for various ailments, and the festival is characterized by unique rituals and vows made by devotees. President S Chandrashekhara Hegde and committee members were present at the event. Devotees participated in the food offering, which was distributed in the afternoon.