Navaratri Celebrations: Kudroli Temple Dazzles as Devotees Gather in Hundreds
Pics: Sphoorti Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RD/CN)
Mangalore, Oct 8: The 20th Dasara celebrations were off to a spectacular start at city's Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple here on Friday October 8, with practically the entire temple and its premises bedecked with lights and flowers of vibrant hues.
Inaugurated by deputy commissioner V Ponnuraj, the Navaratri celebrations witnessed hundreds of devotees flocking to the temple to partcipate in the ceremonies and rituals.
Devotees will offer prayers to nine Durgas as well as to Sharada Devi, whose idols were installed at the temple by the priests, during the nine-day celebrations.
Among those present were Mangalore City Corporation commissioner K N Vijayprakash and others.
During Navarathri (dussera) special pujas are performed on all the nine days in the temple. On the seventh day, Godess Mangaladevi is worshipped as Sharadamba and on the eight day the goddess is worshipped as Maarikamba. On this day Aayuda puja is performed. Weapons and tools are worshipped as the day marks the slaying of the cruel demons by the goddess Durga. On the ninth day, also known as Mahanavami, a large number of devotees participate in the Rathothsava.
The Dasara celebrations will include a host of cultural events by artistes from all over, and will culminate on October 17 with a procession.