Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Feb 15: The coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are soaked in spiritual fervour as thousands of devotees flocked to various Shiva temples to celebrate Maha Shivaratri on Sunday, February 15.
In Mangaluru, special pujas commenced early in the morning at the historic Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple. The Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Field witnessed elaborate rituals including 'Maharudrabhisheka' and 'Shata Siyala-abhisheka' (offering of a hundred tender coconuts). The celebrations at Kudroli will continue throughout the night with 'Jagarane' (night vigil), a grand 'Rathotsava' (chariot festival), and 'Keredipa'. Other prominent temples in the city, including the Sri Mahalingeshwara temples in Kavoor and Pandeshwar, also hosted a variety of religious and cultural programmes.
Grand celebrations at Dharmasthala
The Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala is witnessing a massive congregation of over one lakh devotees arriving from across the state. Adequate arrangements have been made for the thousands of 'padayatris' (foot pilgrims) who reached the temple town on Sunday.
Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade will formally launch the 'Shiva Panchakshari' chanting at 6:00 pm at the Pravachana Mantapa in front of the temple. Devotees will continue the chanting throughout the night as part of the vigil.
Udupi and rural segments
In Udupi district, temples are decked up for the occasion with special pujas, bhajans, and cultural events. Key celebrations are being held at the Sri Anantheshwara and Sri Chandramouleeshwara temples, Bannanje Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Shivapadi Sri Umamaheshwara Temple, and the Sri Shankaranarayana Temple in Kodavoor.
Similar religious atmosphere prevailed in the rural segments of Dakshina Kannada. The Karinjeshwara temple in Bantwal taluk, which is already in its annual fair period, saw a huge turnout. Special pujas were held at the Narahari Parvatha, Puttur Mahalingeshwara, Uppinangady Sahasralingeshwara, Vittal Panchalingeshwara, and Odiyoor Sri Kshetra.
The flower markets in Mangaluru and Udupi saw brisk business on Saturday as people prepared for the festival. Security has been beefed up near all major temples to ensure smooth movement of devotees and to maintain order during the night-long celebrations.