Times of India

Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje for Daijiworld News Network

Mangalore, May 3: It was a rare spectacle witnessed by thousands of devotees at the Kadri Sri Manjunatha temple, as the natural flow of Kashi Bhagirathi Teerta was diverted to anoint the presiding deity, as part of the Mahadanda Abhisheka performed on Tuesday. According to history, the ritual was performed after a gap of over 100 years. 

The water from the Bhagirathi Teerta (which is at a higher level than the temple) was diverted through a canal made of areca and plantain stem, passing through the temple to the Garba Gudi (sanctum sanctorum), with the holy water directly falling on the Shiva Linga. It was a visual delight for the devotees present as well as those who saw the rituals on the local television, which carried the proceedings live.

Supplementing the Mahadanda Abhisheka was the Shata Rudra Abhisheka with priests chanting the Rudra Stotra. An exclusive pavilion was prepared in the temple complex to carry out the very special homa and other offerings. Over 10,000 devotees received the prasad of the festivities through Maha Annasantarpane (mass feeding).

For the past three-days, all roads led to the historically acclaimed abode of Lord Manjunatha, with Brahmakalashotsava festivities taking place with traditional fervour and gaiety. While after a gap of 18 years, the Brahmakalashotsava (grand anointment) to Sri Manjunatha took place on Sunday, the Maharathotsava (pulling of the chariots) took place on Monday.

Over a lac devotees visited the temple during the past three-days.

The rituals are being performed in the presence of Sri Sandhyanath Maharaj of Kadri Yogishwar Mutt.

While the rituals as part of the Brahmakalashotsava came to an end with the pulling down of the Dwaja Stambha (post) on Tuesday night, the next two days will witness special poojas to the Daivas (demi gods) and the installation of Malaraya Daiva in the newly constructed Gudi (temple).