Nayana J C

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 17: Nagara Panchami was celebrated with religious fervour and devotion at the historic Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple at Kudupu here on Monday.

The temple, renowned for its worship of Nagadevata, witnessed a large gathering of devotees who offered prayers to the serpent deities and sought their blessings.

Special poojas and religious rituals were performed at the temple as part of the Nagarapanchami celebrations. Devotees offered flowers, turmeric, kumkum and other traditional offerings to Nagadevata and participated in the rituals with devotion.

The temple premises witnessed a huge gathering of devotees throughout the day. After offering prayers and participating in the special rituals, devotees partook in the annadana arranged as part of the celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, temple priest and Kudupu resident Manohar Bhat said that the area has a special connection with the Naga tradition and that people have been living here with reverence towards Nagadevata. He said devotees perform special poojas and sevas such as Tambila as a mark of gratitude and devotion to the serpent deity.

He added that the rituals are also performed seeking forgiveness for any mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly and praying for the continued protection and blessings of Nagadevata.

Nagara Panchami, observed during the Shravana month, holds special significance in the coastal region, particularly in Tulunadu, where Naga worship is an important part of the local religious tradition.

The celebrations at Kudupu continued with devotees from various parts of Dakshina Kannada visiting the temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Nagadevata.