Pic: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Sep 8: A total lunar eclipse caused by Rahu was visible on Sunday night in Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts. In some places, people managed to witness the eclipsed moon through clouds in the sky.

At Udupi Sri Krishna Math, Vipra Bandhu members gathered in the Rajangana for collective chanting of the Sri Krishna mantra. Special pujas were also performed at various temples in Parkala, Udupi, Malpe, and other parts of the district.

At the Pilikula Regional Science Centre, arrangements were made with telescopes and binoculars from 9 pm until 1:30 am for the public to observe the rare astronomical event. Astronomy enthusiasts and children visited Pilikula and stayed until midnight to witness the eclipse.

On account of the lunar eclipse, changes were made in temple puja timings. At Kadri Sri Manjunath Temple, the morning puja was held at 8 am, the noon puja at 11:30 am, and the evening puja at 6:30 pm. No services were permitted after the afternoon rituals.

At the historic Sri Mangaladevi Temple, the morning puja was performed at 6 am, the Mahapuja at 1 pm, and another Mahapuja at 7 pm. During the eclipse, Jalabhisheka was offered to the deity.

At the temple’s main mantapa, an eternal lamp was lit, and after the eclipse concluded at midnight, abhisheka and aarati were performed for the deity.

At Maroli Sri Suryanarayana Temple, the evening puja was held at 6 pm, and the sanctum door was closed at 6:30 pm. On September 8 at 7:30 am, a Grahana Shanti Homa for the welfare of the world will be conducted with Vedic rituals, temple authorities informed.