Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Feb 28: A vibrant display of devotion and ritual splendour marked the 19th Annual Re-Consecration Anniversary of the Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple at Kurar Village in Malad East, drawing a large gathering of devotees from across Mumbai.
Organised by the Sri Durga Parameshwari Committee at Tanaji Nagar, the celebrations were conducted in strict adherence to Vedic traditions and temple customs. The ceremonies unfolded under the guidance of committee president Raghunath K Kottari and with the active involvement of the temple’s chief priest, Sudha Raghavendra Bhat. Senior priest Shankaranarayana Tantri from Dombivli officiated as the chief ritualist, performing elaborate rites in the sanctum and invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga Parameshwari upon the assembled devotees.
The programme commenced on Thursday morning with a mass prayer, followed by the auspicious Torana Muhurta. The religious proceedings featured Sri Mahaganapati Homa and Navaka Pradhana Homa, along with 25 Kalasha Aradhana at the deity’s sanctum. Devotees witnessed the sacred Kalabhisheka and Abhisheka rituals, culminating in the midday Mahapuja. Annasantarpane, symbolising community harmony and shared faith, was served to the large number of attendees.
“The re-consecration anniversary is not merely a ritual but a reaffirmation of our collective faith and unity,” said president Raghunath K Kottari, expressing satisfaction over the enthusiastic participation of devotees.
In the evening, the women’s wing organised the traditional Arishina-Kumkuma ceremony under the leadership of Geetha C Jattan and Asha R Kottari, with a strong turnout of women devotees. The temple premises resonated with devotional fervour as Rangapuja and Bali Utsav were performed later that night amidst vedic chanting and ritual offerings.
The concluding ceremonies on Friday morning included the Navaka Pradhana Homa, Kalashabhisheka, Mantrakshate and distribution of prasada, formally bringing the two-day celebrations to a close.
Among those present were general secretary Somappa B Kotian; vice-presidents Ramesh T Shetty, Suresh M Kotian and Yogendram R Kottari; joint secretaries Prasad R Kotian and Muralidhar B Poojary; advisors Premnath S Salian and Anand K Kotian; executive committee members Dayananda R Shetty, Sharath S Kotian, Ayush R Kottari, Girish B Suvarna and Sandeep Behera; and Seva Karthas Vatsala S Kotian, Bharati S Kotian, Shanta Poojary and Shailesh Kotian. Donors, members of the women’s and youth wings, and numerous devotees participated in large numbers, receiving the blessings of Goddess Durga Parameshwari.
The celebration stood as a testament to enduring tradition, strong community spirit and unwavering devotion in suburban Mumbai