Pics: Niranjan M N

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Apr 19: The ‘Ashtapavitra Shriman Nagamandalotsav’ was held with deep religious fervour and grandeur on April 18 at the sacred Nagavana located within Sairadha Township on the Perampalli–Manipal road. The rituals were conducted under the guidance of Nagapatri Vedha Moorthy Kakkunje Nagananda Vasudeva Acharya.

The programme commenced in the early hours with a series of traditional religious rituals including Devata Prarthane, Gopooja, Pradhan Prayashchitta Homa, Kalashabhisheka, and Tanutambila Seva. Special pooja was also offered to the presiding Panjurli Daiva, followed by Mahapooja and Nagadarshana. In the afternoon, Prasanna Pooja and Palla Pooja were performed as part of the rituals.

A large-scale Annasantarpane began at noon and continued until midnight, with over 10,000 devotees partaking in the prasadam. The arrangements were efficiently managed by nearly 80 cooks, 140 servers, and more than 100 volunteers. Proper systems were put in place to regulate food distribution, seating, hand-washing queues, and parking, ensuring a smooth and orderly experience for devotees. Special transport arrangements were also made to ferry devotees from the parking area to the Nagamandala venue.

A devotional music programme was held on the Nagamandala stage from 12 pm to 2 pm. The programme featured singers Madhuru Narayan Sarlaya and Kavya Seetharam, accompanied by Sharmila Rao on violin, Muralidhar K on keyboard, Balachandra Bhagavath on mridangam, and Madhava Acharya on tabla.

In the evening, following Rangapooja and the ritual of offering milk to the Nagadevaru, the Nagamandala Utsav commenced. The traditional ritual performance was presented by Krishna Prasad Vaidya, from Mooduru Vaidyanatheshwara Dhamaru Mela, along with Balakrishna Vaidya, Nataraja Vaidya, and Chandrashekara Vaidya contributing through Nagakannike and Dhamaru Seva.

The grand stage, aesthetically decorated with flowers and fruits, attracted thousands of devotees who gathered to witness the spiritually significant ritual. Cultural programmes added to the vibrancy of the event, including a Nagaswara recital by Akshatha Sherigar Alevoor.

The event concluded with prasada distribution and mantrakshate at midnight. The religious event saw the participation of service providers Manohar S Shetty of Sai Radha Group, Ravi S Shetty of Sai Palace Group of Hotels, Siddharth Shetty of Sai Radha Group along with their families, dignitaries, and a large number of devotees.