Mangalore: Sea of humanity witnesses annual Car Festival

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Pics: Manju Neereshwallya / Bhaskar Amtoor

Mangalore, Feb 6: A sea of humanity gathered at Sri Venkataramana Temple at Car Street here on Thursday February 6 to participate in the annual Kodial Teru or Car Festival.

The deity's idol was brought in a golden palanquin from the Temple and placed in a decorated chariot, amidst the chanting of 'Srimad Ramaramana Govinda, Govinda' that reverberated at the Temple Square.

The deity's idol was placed in a golden palanquin and taken round the outer perambulatory path of the temple, before installing it in the chariot.

The idol was installed on the chariot by Sri Samyameendrateertha Swamiji, the disciple of Sri Sudheendrateertha Swamiji, spiritual head of Kashi Math, amid much joy and fanfare.

The members of Gowd Saraswat Brahmins (GSB) community participated in the celebrations in large numbers.

After the Nitya Puja in the morning, religious rituals were performed. Ceremonial ablution (Abhisheka) of the deities was done with holy water. Rituals such as Gangabhisheka, Panchamrita and Shatakalasbhisheka were also performed, officiated by Sri Samyameendrateertha Swamiji. Poornahuti was performed at Yajna Mantapa of the temple.

The six-day festival will culminate with 'Okkuli' on Friday February 7.