Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapura

Kundapur, Aug 4: The Karkataka Amavasya festival at the Maharajaswamy Varaha Temple, situated between the river and sea on the edge of the highway at Maravanthe, concluded on Sunday, August 4.

With the rain easing off, a large influx of devotees from various parts of the district began arriving early in the morning. Many performed sacred baths in the sea and river, followed by darshan (viewing) of the deity and offering abhisheka (ritual bath), pooja (worship), and other offerings. Thousands of devotees stood in long queues to view the deity and receive prasada (consecrated food).

Inside the temple, the administrative committee and service staff, along with volunteers, ensured that cleanliness, worship, and the management of devotees’ arrival and departure were handled efficiently. The temple was decorated with attractive floral arrangements for the festival. Scenes of devotees lining up on National Highway 66 were visible.

Given the narrow terrain between the sea and river, and the heavy traffic on the highway, Gangolli police, Coastal Security Force, and Kundapura traffic police took necessary measures to ensure the safety of the thousands of devotees attending the festival, manage the smooth flow of vehicles, and control congestion. They also monitored the safety of those bathing in the sea and river.

The temple’s administrative committee president, Satish M Nayak, along with other committee members and priests, were present. Under the guidance of Kundapura DySP Belliyappa and Byndoor Police Circle inspector Savithra Teja, Gangolli Police Station sub-inspector Harish R and other sub-inspectors from various police stations managed the security arrangements.