Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Mar 7: An ancient pani peetha along with original idol has been traced at an island near Kateel here on Sunday March 4.

The excavation works have been going on in full swing on this island which in the middle of River Nandini from Sunday.  This island is the origin of Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple Kateel near Kinnigoli here.  Excavations were going on as preparation for the forthcoming Brahmakalashotsava of the temple.

The original idol along with nagabimba was traced under a pipal tree on the island.  The excavation which was undertaken after it was made known through "ashthamangala" that the origin of the temple should be developed and a nagabimba which has been underground should be traced. 

However, the idol and nagambimba is not visible completely owing to the long-spread roots of pipal tree.  So the excavation works have been called off now until the ashthamangala question is asked for the second time as whether to continue work by felling the pipal tree or stop excavation.

Following the news of tracing original idol on the island devotees are thronging in big numbers to the place.  Some senior citizens even said that it seems like olden days when people used to throng to the island when the famous Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple was there.