Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jan 31: The holy Brahmakalashotsava that is considered to be one of the most sacrosanct religious rituals to be offered to Gods and Goddesses was performed at Goddess Durgaparameshwari temple on Thursday January 30. The temple down apparently bathed in an atmosphere of divinity and devotion.
The procedures connected with the ritual began before the sunrise. While thousands of people could be personal witnesses to the procedure, lacs of people, for want of space, watched the procedures through giant LED screens installed in the vicinity of the temple and also via the direct telecast facility offered by some local channels. The rituals were officiated by Brahmashri Shibarur Vedavyasa Tantry while Shibarur Krishnaraja Tantry offered support. After the Brahmakalashotsava, thousands of devotees stood in a queue, had the darshan of the Goddess, and partook the Prasadam. About 1.5 lac people had Prasadam at the temple on Thursday, January 30.
Hereditary trustee of the temple, Vasudeva Asranna, hereditary priests, Laxminarayana Asranna, Venkataramana Asranna, Ananthapadmanabha Asranna, Kamaladeviprasad Asranna, and Harinarayabnadasa Asranna provided leadership to the Brahmakalashotsava. MP and president of Brahmakalashotsava Samiti, Nalin Kumar Kateel, managing
committee president, Sanat Kumar Shetty Kodethurguthu and many dignitaries were present.
Brahmakalashabhisheka (ceremonial bath) with sanctified water filled in 1,000 silver pitchers and a golden pitcher was offered to the Goddess as chanting of hymns and eulogies in the praise of the Goddess rent the air. During the 'Kalasha Mandala Puja', the golden pitcher was installed at the centre. Twenty-four big-sized silver pitchers and 976 small size silver pitchers adorned the Mandal when puja was offered. Water from these pitchers was poured on the deity later as chanting of Mantras continued. The pitchers contained holy substances, jewels, concoctions, holy things, things prepared by using products derived from cows, etc. Several other pitchers which were made potent with the chanting of Mantras also were offered to the goddess by way of ceremonial bath, said Vidwan Panja Bhaskar Bhat.
In the evening, the Utsava Murthy of the goddess was taken out, and car festival was held at night.
The quantity of 'Horekanike' offerings comprising things like vegetables, rice, coconuts, fruits and other items received at the temple from all over happens to be a record in itself for the entire coastal Karnataka, the temple management said.
On January 31, 'Nagamandalotsava' is being performed from 7 pm at Bhramari Vana with the participation of Sagri Sri Gopalakrishna Samaga and Maddur Sri Krishnaprasad Vaidya. On Sunday February 2 morning, Koti Japayajna will begin at Bramari Vana of the temple and conclude in the evening. On February 3, Sahasra Chandika Yaga will be performed beginning at 7 am.