Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 16: Thousands of devotees thronged the Durgaparameshwari Temple Mandharthi with great religious fervour during the week-long annual festival which began on February 9 and culminated on February 15.
Mandharthi is an ancient and popular temple in Udupi district. It is a sacred place for Hindus, located 25 kilometres north of Udupi, a good tourist attraction. Many devotees make their contributions to the temple in the form of money or groceries.
Like every year, various cultural and religious activities and specifically Yakshagana dedicated to Goddess Durga were held in the premises of the temple, during this festival.
S C Kotaragasti, executive officer, H Dhananjay Shetty, president, management committee put in their efforts for the success of the annual fest. Managing committee members M Sripathi Adiga, B Gopal Naik, Malathi H Shetty, Rathna Marakalthi, H Surendra Shetty, H Vittal Shetty, B Ganesh Kundar, K P Shekhar Poojary, along with local villagers of Heggunje Naku Mane and office staffs extended their support.
Festive Days
Thursday - The religious rituals commenced from early morning with Ganahoma at Barali Ganapati Temple and prayer offered to Lord Vigneshwar and Ranga Pooja at the night on same.
Friday and Saturday - Vishesha Pooja, Ranja Pooja, Katte Pooja, Vasantha puja were performed with about thousand devotees witnessing the pujas.
Sunday – Kenda Seve (walking on embers) was performed by hundreds of devotees at the temple premises. Kenda Seve in front of huyguli (tiger god) is performed for the longevity of one's husband.
Monday - Mandharthy temple had its annual Rathotsava concluding with a grand ceremony on Monday afternoon with traditional celebrations. During the Rathotsava the tableaux, physical stunts including martial arts, beats of drums were witness by crowd that gathered. Following the Rathotsava, different Poojas ap per tradition were performed by temple priests.
Tuesday- Kavata Visarjanam, Laxmi mantapa pooja, tulabhara seva offered Goddess Durga to strengthen one's mind, and fulfil desires.
Wednesday - Ranga pooja, pallakki utsava and surgikatte pooja were performed in the evening.
The seven days of fest concluded with samprokshanam.
According to office bearers, a free samuhika vivaha (free mass marriage) will be held on Monday, April, 3. This would be a 16th year of the programme being conducted at the temple.