Pics: Sumanth Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Oct 19: The Mahishamardini Temple in Bailoor will host the Shathachandika Yaga and Brahmamandala Seva from December 9 to 14. Led by esteemed Vedic scholars K S Korangrapady Krishnamurthy Tantri and Shreeramana Tantri, this significant religious event aims to draw thousands of devotees for a week of sacred rituals.

At a press conference on October 19, Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, honorary adviser of the temple, highlighted its rich 2,000-year history, noting that “Mahishamardini is one among four Durga temples.” The main ritual, the Shathachandika Yaga, will occur on December 14, with preparations beginning on December 10.

The event will feature various types of Chandika Yagas — Navachandi, Shathachandi, and Ayuthachandi — with the Shathachandika Yaga Parayana starting on December 10. The yaga will be open to the public, with around 100 devotees expected to actively participate and an anticipated gathering of 20,000 attendees.

The final day will include a special Durga Arathi ceremony performed by 500 women, along with a formal closing event and the distribution of ‘Anna Prasada’ to all attendees.

A letter of solicitation for offerings will be released at 4 pm on October 26, with the procession starting at 4 pm from Jodukatte on December 9.

Devotees are invited to join these sacred ceremonies, seeking divine blessings and spiritual wellbeing.

Present at the press meet were priest K S Krishnamoorthi Tantri, trustee Mohan Mudanna Shetty, Secretary B Narayandas Udupa, Trustee Ramesh Shetty Kalathoor, and others.