Mangaluru, Oct 2, 2025: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar visited the Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple at Kudroli on Wednesday night and lauded the grandeur of the ongoing Mangaluru Dasara festivities.
The occasion marked the Bali Utsav, during which Shivakumar took part in the traditional Rathotsava (chariot festival). Following custom, he broke a coconut near the chariot wheel after the deity’s ceremonial procession and later joined devotees in pulling the decorated chariot.
Inside the temple, the Deputy CM offered prayers at the sanctum of Saint Brahmashree Narayana Guru, the temple’s founder, and paid respects to Goddess Sharada and the Navadurga idols at the Darbar Mantap.
‘Feels like Goddess Sharada called me’
Addressing devotees, Shivakumar said:
“Initially, I didn’t think I’d be able to make it here today. But it feels like Goddess Sharada herself called me. It is my fortune to visit this sacred place founded by Shri Narayana Guru. Witnessing the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations brings me immense joy.”
The temple honored him with a ceremonial welcome and prasadam.
Dignitaries present
Temple president Jairaj H. Somasundaram welcomed Shivakumar with a floral tribute. Other key attendees included:
- Temple treasurer Padmaraj R. Poojary
- Trustees Santosh Poojary, Krutin Amin, Kishore Dandakeri
- Development Committee President Devendra Poojary
- MESCOM Chairman Harish Kumar
- MLAs Ashok Kumar Rai, MLC Manjunath Bhandari
- Leaders Rakshit Shivaram Beltangady, Inayat Ali, Srinivas B.V.
- Members of the temple administration and development committee
The Deputy CM’s participation added a political spotlight to the festival, which has drawn large crowds over the past week with its vibrant processions, cultural programs, and religious rituals.