Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Dec 15: The temple of Goddess Durgaparameshwari in Uppunda near Byndoor is ancient one, which also finds mention in mythology. In the past, devotees who travelled by foot to visit Kollur Goddess Mookambika temple followed the custom of paying obeisance to presiding deities of Kergalu Goddess Bhawati temple and Uppunda Goddess Durgaparameshwari temple that are located on their route. While Goddess Mookambika has settled down at the foot of the western ghats, Goddess Durgaparameshwari has occupied a spot on the seashore.
During car festival, the idol of the Goddess is taken around the village where the idol is seated at platforms at various places where local devotees can perform puja and pay obeisance. The visit of the Goddess to different areas is like giving assurance of protection and prosperity to the local people.
During the festival days, hundreds of people walk through narrow edges of agricultural fields for several kilometres to be able to present themselves before the Goddess and participate in the festival procession. Traditional torches which accompany the procession provide a unique kind of radiance to the procession.
Volunteers who have set up platforms for the Goddess traditionally arrive at the temple in advance, offer betel leaves, coconut etc to the Goddess and extend invitation to visit their 'Katte'. On the arrival of the Goddess seated in a decorated palanquin, the accompanying Tantry's feet are washed. The Goddess is seated on the pedestal erected on the platform, and flower decoration, Puja, Naivedya and Arati are offered to please her. With the support of those accompanying the procession, Ashtavadhana, music, musical instrument, Purana etc are held and Prasadam is distributed to the people present.
Devotees keep Arati ready beforehand so that they can offer the same to the Goddess when the procession passes through their houses. The arrival of Mother Goddess thrills the devotees and fills them with a sense of contentment.