Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru 
Pics: Manju Neereshwallya/Monark Digitals

Mangaluru, Jan 26: Sea of humanity gathered at Car Street here on Monday January 26 to partcipate in the annual Car Festival or 'Kodial Teru' or 'Dodda Teru' of Shree Venkataramana Temple.

The atmosphere was festive as devotees from near and far converged at the spot and rejoiced as idol of Lord Venkatesha was brought in a golden palaquin and placed in a beautifully decorated chariot.

The chants of 'Srimad Ramaramana Govinda, Govinda' reverberated as the idol installed in the chariot and taken through the Temple Square.

The idol was installed on the chariot by Sri Samyameendrateertha Swamiji, Patta Shishya of Sri Sudheendrateertha Swamiji, spiritual head of Kashi Math.

Nitya Puja was performed in the morning, after which other rituals were held. Ceremonial ablution (Abhisheka) of the deities was performed with tender coconut water and holy water. Rituals such as Gangabhisheka, Panchamrita and Shatakalashabhisheka were also performed under the guidance of Sri Samyameendrateertha Swamiji.

Poornahuti was performed at Yajna Mantapa of the temple. The idols of Lord Venkatesha was placed in a golden palanquin and taken round the outer perambulatory path of the temple, before being installed in the silver chariot. The chariot was then pulled through Car Street by thousands of devotees who had come from every nook and corner, including other states.