Kollur: Religious rituals marking the second day of Sharannavaratri were performed with devotion at the renowned Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Udupi district, as devotees gathered to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
On the second day of Navaratri, the presiding deity was adorned in the form of Sri Brahmacharini, who symbolises penance, self-restraint and knowledge. Special rituals were performed as part of the ongoing celebrations, drawing devotees from different parts of the country.
A key ritual of the day was the presentation of bagina, a traditional offering, to two married women. Devotees also participated in the ongoing Chandika Yaga and offered prayers to the Goddess.
Special arrangements for Navaratri devotees
The Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, regarded as one of South India’s prominent Shakti Peethas, has witnessed an increase in the number of devotees with the commencement of Navaratri.
Pilgrims from various parts of the country are arriving at the shrine to participate in the festival’s religious ceremonies and seek divine blessings. The temple has made special arrangements for darshan from the first day of the celebrations to facilitate the movement of devotees.
Various religious services are being conducted under the guidance of the temple’s chief priest. The rituals form an important part of the annual Navaratri observances, during which the Goddess is worshipped in different forms over the nine days.
The worship of Sri Brahmacharini on the second day highlights the spiritual values associated with devotion, discipline and perseverance. Devotees offer prayers seeking blessings for peace, prosperity and well-being.
Chandika Yaga and traditional offerings
The ongoing Chandika Yaga is among the religious observances attracting devotees during the festival. Participants have been attending the rituals and offering prayers as part of their Navaratri worship.
The presentation of bagina to married women added to the traditional observances of the day. Such offerings form part of the customary religious practices associated with the worship of the Goddess.
The temple continues to conduct special services throughout the festival, with arrangements intended to help devotees participate in the ceremonies and have darshan.
Cultural programmes add to festival celebrations
Alongside the religious rituals, traditional cultural programmes have been organised on the temple stage as part of the Navaratri celebrations.
The programmes provide an opportunity to showcase traditional art forms and cultural practices while complementing the spiritual atmosphere at the shrine. The combination of worship, religious services and cultural events has added to the festive spirit in Kollur.
With the arrival of devotees from across the country, the Navaratri festival at the Sri Mookambika Temple is progressing with a blend of devotion, tradition and cultural activities.
The celebrations are continuing with special rituals and services dedicated to the Goddess, as devotees visit the temple to participate in the auspicious occasion and seek her blessings.