Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Oct 4: The tourists and locals have responded massively to the Dasara Darshan package of KSRTC Mangaluru division to visit temples in and around Mangaluru during the festival season.
This scheme which began from just one bus has reached nine buses within just three days. This scheme is in force from September 5 to October 26. The bus leaves from KSRTC bus stand of city at 8 am and takes the passengers to Mangaladevi, Bolara Mariamma Mahisha Mardini, Polali Sri Rajarajeshwari, Sunkadakatte Sri Ambika Poorneshwari, Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari, Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari, Sasihitlu Sri Bhagavathi, Chithrapura Sri Durgaparameshwari, Urwa Sri Mariyamma and Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha temples.
Online booking facility is available. Tourists from Shivamogga, Mysuru, Chikkamagaluru, Kundapur, Udupi, Hassan and Tumkur have booked slots for the coming days.
On the first day, three buses were used, on second day five, third day three and on fourth day seven buses ferried the pilgrims. Volvo and NERM buses are being used for the purpose. So far more than 790 people have utilized this facility.
The KSRTC officials are pleasantly surprised at the response of the people on this first ever package. However, according to the availability of staff and vehicles, a maximum of nine buses can be utilized. So the bookings will be limited to that extent according to Rajesh Shetty, divisional controller of KSRTC Mangaluru division.
The charges per head are Rs 300 per day. For children it is Rs 250. One hour time is given at Kateel, Sasihitlu and Polali temples where snacks and lunch is served. For the rest of the temples, only 15 minutes of time has been given. Special darshan and food arrangements are available for the tourists going by these buses at Kateel, Sasihitlu and Bolar temples.
A tourist of German nationality also took the package and was the center of attraction. Rajesh Shetty says that there is thought of continuing the same after Dasara during weekends by adding some more areas or changes in the spots of visit.
A similar package has begun in Udupi also. It consists of visits to nine temples including Ucchila Dasra Darshan. The bus leaves from Udupi city bus stand at 8.30 AM and provides visits to Kadiyali Mahisha Mardini, Kannarpadi Jayadurga Parameshwari, Ambalpady Sri Mahakali, Puttur Bhagavathi Sri Durgaparameshwari, Mandarti Sri Durgaparameshwari, Neelavara Mahishamardini, Kunjarugiri Durgadevi, Kaup Marigudi and Ucchila Sri Mahalaxmi temples.