Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Nov 29:The annual Lakshadeepotsava of Lord Kundeshwara temple here, where devotion and celebration get intertwined with each other, got a grand beginning on Monday November 28. As a prelude to the festivities, various religious programmes were performed at the temple on Sunday itself.

On Monday November 28, special puja, Shatarudrabhisheka, Mahapuja etc were offered to the presiding deity of the temple after which people took part in community feast. In the evening, devotional songs were rendered by Gopalakrishna Bhajana Mandali Koni followed by 'Nritya Sinchana' programme of dances by artistes of Vasant Natyalaya trained by Nritya Vidushi Pavitra Ashok.

In the evening, devotees lined up to light the earthen lamps as service to Lord Kundeshwara. Pushpa Rathotsava and Katte Puja were initiated. People of the town joined hands with the temple authorities by tastefully decorating their homes and offices besides providing colourful lighting. Cultural programmes organized by different entities at various places added to the lustre of the programme.

The Balimurty (replica) of the presiding deity, after covering the perambulation path thrice and covering three more rounds in the outer precincts of the temple, was taken in procession atop a palanquin through the streets of the town to the accompaniment of musical instruments. The procession concluded at the temple next morning around 5 am. During the procession, 'Katte Puja' was offered to the Lord by devotees at platforms erected at various places by devotees.

In the temple pond of Lord Kundeshwara temple, the idol, accompanied by temple Tantry, priests and those holding torches, were taken around in a special raft. The earthen lamps lighted around the pond get reflected in the pond. After this, Puja at the platform of peepal tree followed by Ashtavadhana, another Katte Puja, and offering of coconuts to a stone on perambulation path. After taking another round in the outer precincts, the Utsava Murty enters the sanctum sanctorum followed by Mangalarati, Mantrakshate and distribution of Prasadam.

A play was presented at the platform erected at the new bus stand, while Yakshagana episode, 'Devi Mahatme' with the coming together of Badu and Tenku Tittu artistes was performed near the old bus stand. Both these programmes succeeded in attracting large crowds and keeping the devotees entertained the whole night.