Tiger dancers perform during Navaratri festivities at Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple on Monday.
DH Photo / Fakruddin H
Mangaluru: Navaratri celebrations commenced at Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple on Monday with the consecration of Goddess Sharada idol.
The idol was taken in a procession around the temple premises to the rhythm of drums before being consecrated at the Shree Gokarnanatha Kalyana Mantapa.
The highlight of the event was a dazzling huli vesha performance, where the “tigers” impressed onlookers and devotees with flips, reverse jumps, and acrobatic feats.
Alongside Goddess Sharada, idols of the Navadurga—Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamatha, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagowri, and Siddhidatri - as well as Adishakti and Lord Ganesha were also installed.
The Mahanavami rituals began with guru prarthana, followed by punyaha homa, navakalashabhisheka, kalasha prathishtapana, and other ceremonies. Pushpalankara Mahapooja was held in the afternoon.
The Darbar Mantapa, where the idols are displayed, was adorned with artistic decorations, while the temple’s newly inaugurated roof was beautifully decked with flowers.
The festivities were inaugurated by Ramakrishna Mutt President Jithakamananda Swamiji in the presence of veteran leader Janardhan Poojary, Brahmakumari Vishweshwari Ji (head of Brahmakumaris, Mangaluru), and Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.
The official inauguration of the Dasara Mahotsava will be held on September 25 at 6 pm, with Speaker UT Khader, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and MP Capt Brijesh Chowta in attendance.
Mangaladevi Temple
Navaratri Mahotsava was also held at the historic Mahathobhara Sri Mangaladevi Temple, drawing large crowds of devotees. Rituals including Ganapathi Prarthane were performed. Sarees offered to the deity will be auctioned from September 26 to 28 at the temple.
Navaratri festivities were also observed at Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Kateel, Mariamma Temple in Urwa, Bhagavathi Temple in Kudroli, Bappanadu Temple, and several other temples across the region.