Mangalore: Sea of humanity gathers for annual Car Festival

With Inputs from Manju Neereshwallya
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Pics: Ramanand Pai

Mangalore, Feb 18: Thousands of devotees gathered at Car Street in the city on Sunday February 17 to witness the annual Car Festival, also known as Kodial Teru or Dodda Teru of Lord Venkataramana Temple.

The Lord's idol was brought in a golden palanquin from the Temple and placed in the beautifully decorated chariot, amidst chanting of 'Srimad Ramaramana Govinda, Govinda' that reverberated at the venue.

The idol was installed on the chariot by Sri Samyameendrateertha Swamiji, Patta Shishya of Sri Sudheendrateertha Swamiji, spiritual head of Kashi Math.

On Sunday, after the Nitya Puja in the morning, prayers for the car festival and religious rituals were performed. Ceremonial ablution (Abhisheka) of the deities was performed with holy water. Rituals such as Gangabhisheka, Panchamrita and Shatakalasbhisheka were also performed, officiated by Sri Samyameendrateertha Swamiji.

Poornahuti was performed at Yajna Mantapa of the temple. The Lord’s idol was placed in a golden palanquin and taken round the outer perambulatory path of the temple, before installing it in the chariot. The chariot was then pulled through Car Street at around midnight by thousands of devotees who had come from every nook and corner, including other states.

The six-day festival will culminate with 'Okuli' on Monday February 18.