Goddesses descend on Port City

 The Navarathri Utsav of Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple culminated with ‘Shobha Yathra,’ a grand and colorful procession of Goddess Sri Sharada, Navadurgas, Lord Ganesha and Shree Narayana Guru in Mangalore on Wednesday.

The procession started from the temple after poojas and other religious rituals at around 4.30 pm. The idols were taken out in decorated trucks.

The idol of Lord Ganesha was in the forefront of the procession followed by the portrait of Shree Narayan Guru and later the idols of Navadurgas - Adishakti, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmandini, Skandamata, Katyayini, Mahakali, Mahagowri, Siddidatri and Sharada. Devotees thronged on the sides of the road to have a glimpse of the idols.

The spirit of festivity was enlivened by dance performers who staged the traditional dances of the state. Dances such as Chende Kunitha, Pattada Kunitha, Pooja Kunithe, Veergase Kunitha, Dollu Kunitha, Kolata enthralled the devotees. However, the tiger dancers were the real spectacle. With somersaults and unique formations, they manged to win the hearts of the people. All the streets on the procession route were illuminated with bright lights to welcome the procession.

Devotees offered poojas, flowers and fruits to deities and walked along with the procession shouting slogans of praise to the goddess.

The Mangalore Dasara procession which started from the Kudroli proceeded through Kumbla Road, Mannagudda Road, Lady Hill Circle, Lalbagh, Ballalbagh, PVS Circle, Navbharath Circle, KS Rao Road, Hampankatta, Ganapathi High School Road, Car Street and Alake and concluded at the temple.

Balipooje and Mantapabali rituals were held in the wee hours after which the statue of Sri Sharada Mata was immersed in the Kudroli lake.

Felicitated

Former Union Minister B Janardhan Poojary feliciatated devotees who have offered service to Shree Gokarnatah Kshetra. Udupi District-In-Charge Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, Mangalore Mayor Gulzar Banu, Famous Jeweler K P Nanjundi were among the many who were felicitated.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Mayor Gulzar Banu said that she has been part of the Mangalore Dasara celebrations for over 10 years. “ Shree Gokarnatah Kshetra temple tries to unite people. It is open to people of all religion,” she said.

At Mangaladevi Temple

Dasara festival was celebrated with grandeur at Mangaladevi temple too. Idol of Goddess Mangaladevi was taken out for ‘bali puje,’ mounted on the head of the priest. The idol was placed inside the decked chariot and was taken for rounds.

In Kollur temple

At Kollur temple, the Vijayadashami celebrations started at 4 am with the ‘Vidhyaramba’ rituals. Parents who had taken a vow to start their children’s education by making them write their first alphabet at the temple, brought their little ones for the ritual. At 12.30 pm, another important ritual called Namanaprasanna was held. In the evening Vaibhava Vijayotsava of Goddess Sridevi was held.