Daijiworld Media Network - Bagalkot (SP)

Bagalkot, Sep 11: In an auction of a coconut that was previously offered to Lord Malingaraya at Chikkalaki village in the district placed on the Lord's seat near Jamkhandi, a devotee participated in the bid and paid Rs 6.5 lac to acquire the coconut.

Mahavir Harake, who is a fruit seller from Tikkota in Vijayapura district, who bought the coconut, said that he has bought the coconut because of his devotion and faith in the Lord. "I am aware that people brand me as mad and charged with blind belief but I have acquired it because of my devotion and faith," he explained.

Auction of several items are held on the last day of the Beeralingeshwara festival. The coconut placed on the deity’s sacred seat that is then auctioned, has always fetched high price as devotees vie with each other to bid for the coconut. It is believed that it brings good luck to those who acquire it and it has the power to keep evil forces away.