Mangaluru: Nagara Panchami was celebrated with religious fervour at prominent temples including Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple and Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple at Kudupu, with thousands of devotees participating in special poojas, abhishekas and sevas on Monday.
The festival witnessed a significant turnout as devotees arrived from different parts of the region to offer prayers to Nagadevata and seek blessings. Traditional rituals began in the morning and continued throughout the day at the temples.
Special abhishekas at Kukke Subrahmanya
At Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple, special rituals were performed as part of the Nagara Panchami celebrations.
Following the morning pooja, abhishekam was performed to the Naga deity. A special milk abhishekam was also conducted for Nagaraja at the Nagapratishtha Mantapa located outside the main temple.
Devotees offered milk and coconut water as part of the abhisheka rituals, expressing their devotion to the serpent deity.
The temple also witnessed various traditional sevas, including Panchamritabhishekam, Seeyalabhishekam and Jalabhishekam.
These rituals attracted a large number of devotees, who waited in queues to participate in the special services and offer their prayers.
Devotees participate in special sevas
Several important religious sevas were performed at Kukke Subrahmanya as part of the festival.
A large number of devotees participated in Ashlesha Bali, Panchamrit Mahaabhishekam, Nagapratishtha, Shesha Seva and Karthika Puja.
These rituals hold particular significance for devotees visiting the temple, which is widely associated with Naga worship and Subrahmanya devotion.
Devotees stood in queues outside the temple premises to participate in the various sevas. The large turnout resulted in a vibrant but devotional atmosphere around the temple.
Mahamangalaarti and prasada distribution
After the special rituals and abhishekas, Mahamangalaarti was performed at the temple.
Devotees participated in the concluding religious rituals and sought the blessings of the deity. Prasada was subsequently distributed among those who attended the celebrations.
The day’s programmes brought together traditional worship, abhishekas and special sevas, with devotees observing Nagara Panchami with faith and devotion.
Celebrations at Kudupu temple
Nagara Panchami celebrations were also held at the historic Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple at Kudupu.
The temple, known for its association with Nagadevata worship, witnessed a large gathering of devotees who arrived to offer prayers and participate in special rituals.
Devotees offered traditional items such as milk, coconut water, flowers, turmeric and kumkum to the Naga deity.
Special poojas were performed at the temple, while devotees took part in the rituals and sought the blessings of Nagadevata.
The celebrations at Kudupu also reflected the longstanding importance of Naga worship in coastal Karnataka.
Naga worship in coastal tradition
Nagara Panchami holds special religious and cultural significance in coastal Karnataka, particularly in the Tulunadu region.
The festival is traditionally observed with prayers and offerings to serpent deities. Temples, Nagabanas and Naga Brahmasthanas across the coastal belt witness special rituals during the occasion.
Kukke Subrahmanya is among the prominent pilgrimage centres associated with Naga worship, while Kudupu is another important centre where devotees gather for Nagara Panchami.
The observance includes a range of rituals and sevas, with devotees seeking blessings, protection and spiritual well-being.
Large turnout at temples
The celebrations at Kukke Subrahmanya and Kudupu attracted devotees in large numbers.
At Kukke, devotees were seen standing in queues to participate in the various sevas and offer abhisheka to the deity. The temple premises remained busy as pilgrims arrived throughout the day.
The combination of traditional rituals, special abhishekas, Mahamangalaarti and prasada distribution marked the day’s celebrations.
The festival once again highlighted the strong connection between Naga worship and the religious traditions of coastal Karnataka. At both Kukke Subrahmanya and Kudupu, devotees observed Nagara Panchami through traditional rituals while continuing practices that have been followed for generations.