In an era of hatredness and clashes between people on grounds of religious prestige are on the rise, here is a marvelous exemplar of communal harmony in one of the core spiritual centres of Hindus.
Sri Kollur Mookambika temple, that stands as mute testimony of aristocratic diplomacy achieved through spiritual devotion, is setting an example for human kind through one of its unique ritual. The ‘Salam Mangalarati’ ritual performed in the temple during twilight hours of the day is in reverence to the great warrior Tippu Sultan, to commemorate his visit to the temple in 1763.
Legend
Sri Mookambika temple, situated in the midst of thick forest on the foothills of Kodachadri, established by Adwaita philosophy proponent saint Adi Shankaracharya1200 years ago is popularly known as ‘Shakthi Kendra’ in Hindu scriptures.
The temple shares a unique bonding with Tipu Sultan who was mesmerised with the saintly appearance of the Goddess and was surrendered his weapons before her. He offered his prayers to ‘Devi’ with a gesture of ‘Salam’.
This is how the ritual ‘Salam Mangalarati’ started in 1763. Tippu had conquered the Keladi province and he ruled the province of Keri, Nagara and Keladi. Kollur temple was in Keladi province. There is no documentary evidence which throws light on Tippu’s visit to the temple nor there are any pictorial depictions in the temple.
The only available proof of his visit to the temple is the ritual of ‘Salam Mangalarti’. It was Tipu’s wish that the particular ritual should be called after his name. The Rajamaryade (royal respect) was offered to Tippu on his visit to the temple by leading him with silver torch. Similar ritual is performed even today.
A person from temple administrative board is welcomed with royal honors and later lead him to the temple with the help of silver torch.
‘Salam Mangalarti’ is also performed in Veerabhadra temple situated before Mookambika temple.
Sridhar Adiga, the temple priest who performs the ritual of ‘Salam Mangalarati’, told Deccan Herald that the pooja is performed in between 6.30 pm and 8 pm.
This is a saga that reveals how Tippu Sultan, who had come on voyage to conquer the temple and loot the rich belongings of Goddess, surrendered before the goddess at the very first glance at her.
Sridhar Adiga is performing the ritual of ‘Salam Mangalarati’ at present as he got the responsibility hierarchically. It is believed that by offering ‘Salam Mangalarati’ to Devi,’ one will be protected from Janma doshas.
During the ritual, special devotional song is recited, praising the goddess and also the unique drum beats accompanied by music is played. Adiga said that prior to Tippu’s visit to the temple, the ritual performed in the evening was simply called ‘Pradosha Pooje’. The time following sunset has its unique sanctity in the Vedic scripts of Hinduism.
“It is believed that Lord Shiva plays Tandava Nritya during these hours. It is always considered holy hours,” he said.