Pics: Sphoorty Ullal and Manju Neereshwallya
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Oct 1: Fervent enthusiasm of the devotees, grandly decorated idol of Goddess Sharada and various tableaux marked the immersion procession of the idol of Goddess Sharada that was worshipped for six days at the Acharya Mutt adjoining the famous Sri Venkataramana Temple, Car Street, in the city.
The idol, which was taken out from its venue at the said temple after dusk on Wednesday September 30 following various rituals, was immersed in Goddess Mahamaya Temple tank at about 7 am on Thursday October 1. The devotees bared heavy rains that lashed the city during the night and remained with their beloved deity through out the procession, till the idol was immersed. Various tablauex, Huli Veshas, groupes of artistes playing musical instruments etc., added to the glitter of the procession.
The procession that passed through Mahamaya Temple Road, Dongerkeri, New Chitra Talkies and Car Street, was welcomed by people of different localities by offering puja, Arati and bursting of crackers. A crowd of youth charged with devotional fervour, danced their hearts out, as the process wound its way through its traditional route. The devotees feasted their eyes by having a glimpse of Goddess Sharada, bedecked with jasmine flowers (Moggina Jade), gold ornaments etc., as the Goddess was led by the palanquin-bearers in a rhythmic swinging action, as they will have to wait for a year to get to worship the Goddess again.
The idol was taken around the Mahamaya Temple tank in a raft several times after the procession reached there on Thursday morning, and after the ‘Visarjana Arati’ was performed to the Goddess, and the voices of the devotees who hailed the Goddess at the top of their voices reached a crescendo, as the idol was slowly lowered into the tank.