Times of India
Kollur (Udupi dist), Mar 23: The annual nine-day Maha Rathotsava festival at the famous Kollur Mookambika temple marked its ritualistic beginning on Saturday morning at 9.45 am, with the Dhwajarohana, held in the presence of temple tantri K Manjunatha Adiga, managing trustee Krishna Prasad Adyanthaya and Sanjeev Madival, executive officer.
A large number of devotees thronged the temple to witness the auspicious moment. The nine-day annual festival will culminate on March 30. The most important event of the festival, the Maha Rathotsava, will be held on March 29, when over a lakh of devotees are expected to participate.
Braving the unusual rain experienced in Udupi district and Kollur in the last couple of days, a large number of devotees waited for the rituals, held near the temple pole (dhwaja) as part of Dhwajarohana festival. Tantri Manjunatha Adiga and the other priests conducted Ganapathi puja, Punyaha Nandi, Simha Yaga, Dhwaja puja before the Dwaja Arohana. Dhwaja (the temple flag with lion) was hoisted on the temple pole, commencing the festival. Tantri Adiga, after the Dhwajarohana, entered the sanctum sanctorum and offered puja to Goddess Mookambika.
He said that another important event would be held in the evening. Nagarotsava is carrying the idol of Mookambika to Volaka Mandapa, a kilometre away from the main temple, accompanied by many devotees. Tantri Manjunath Adiga said Saturday’s function will continue past midnight, and will end with Kashaya teertha (a sort of special herbal liquid prasadam, given only in Kollur temple).
Kollur temple and temple town, situated in the foothills of the picturesque Kodachadri Hills, is also getting ready for the annual Rathotsava festival.
Krishna Prasad Adyanthaya, president of the temple managing committee, said the devotees will be given free food and accommodation in the temple guest houses.
On Friday and Saturday, the temple saw heavy and unprecedented rush of devotees, which is expected to continue throughout the car festival.