‘Kerekatte Utsava’ enthralls lakhs of devotees at Dharmasthala

Ujire: As the chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ echoed all around Dharmasthala, the lights and the clay Diya’s provided an earthy and divine feel to the ‘Laksha Deepotsava 2018.’

Lord Manjunatha is believed to be the saviour and deity of truth. His idol was taken out on a procession from the sanctum on a golden palanquin, as a part of the Deepotsava.

This utsav or celebration is popularly known as ‘Kerekatte Utsava.’

Laksha Deepotsava is organised in the Karthika Maasa, known to be an auspicious month and is celebrated in various temples. The month is also known to be the month of ‘light.’

The idol of Lord Manjunatha is taken in different palanquins during this celebration but the Kerekatte Utsav stands out as the idol of the deity is brought in a golden palanquin and taken on rounds across the important streets of Dharmasthala and around the sanctum.

A total of 16 rounds are taken in this Utsav. These 16 rounds involve palanquin, instrumental offering, chende rounds and many others.

After a ritual inside the sanctum, the idol was brought out on procession during which lakhs of people had gathered.

At last, the idol was brought near a pond in front of the temple where the idol was taken in five rounds around the pond and then a pooja was offered for about 30 minutes.

Later the procession ended in the sanctum.

Report: Rupini M B

Photo Courtesy: Abhinandan Jain