Mangalore: City in festive spirit - Installation of idols marks start of Dasara

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Oct 5: The installation of the idols of Sharada, Navadurga (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraganta, Kushmandini, Skandamata, Kathyayini, Maha Kali, Maha Gowri and Siddidathri), Adi Shakthi and Ganapati, marking the start of Dasara celebrations, was held at Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple here on Saturday October 5.

The  rituals commenced with the Guru Prarthana, Punyaha Homa, Navakalashabisheka and Kalasha Stapana followed by Pratishtapana and Puspalankara Mahapuja.

The idol of Sharada was taken around the temple accompanied by a music band with a saxophone and the traditional tiger dance.

Mahapuja to all the idols including Sharada and Ganapathi was held after the installation of the respective idols.

Speaking to the media, Harikrishna Bantwal said that the installation ceremony of idols on Saturday marked the intiation of the festival. The Kudroli temple has a history of 101 years during which it has followed the motto 'one caste, one religion and one God', he said.

A large number of devotees irrespective of caste, creed and religion take part in this celebration, he added.

"This temple has been a representation of humanity. It’s been nearly 23 years since Janardhan Poojary took the responsibility of the Dasara celebrations. The festivities will be carried out over the next 10 days and the Mangalore Dasara procession will be held on October 14," he said.

In a revolutionary move, on Sunday October 6, two widows will officially become priestesses of the Kudroli temple and take part in the rituals.

The Mangalore Dasara will be formally inaugurated on October 10, by Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala.

"The city has been illuminated with lightings at a cost of Rs 20 lac to add more glory to the celebrations. A stage has also been set up by Chandra Shekar Suvarna of Suvarna Arts Mulky," Bantwal added.

Cultural programs will be held daily in the temple premises followed by a special puja and other offerings.

H S Sairam, Raghavendra Kulur, Madhava Suvarna, Padmaraj R, B K Tharanath, Ravishankar Mijar, K Maheshchandra, Ramesh Kumar, Urmila Ramesha and others were present during the installation ceremony.

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