Ullal: Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty visited the original shrine of Kutharu Koragajja, one of the most revered spiritual centres of the coastal Karnataka region, on Friday and offered prayers seeking divine blessings. The visit drew attention from devotees and locals, reflecting the deep faith associated with the shrine among people from across the region and beyond.
The actor, who has strong roots in coastal Karnataka, spent time at the shrine and participated in the rituals with reverence. His visit is seen as a mark of respect to the spiritual traditions of Tulunadu, where Koragajja is worshipped as a powerful daiva believed to protect devotees and fulfil their wishes.
Faith and personal connection
Speaking to the media after offering prayers, Suniel Shetty said that visiting the Koragajja shrine is considered almost essential for anyone who comes to Mangaluru. “It is believed that Koragajja fulfils the wishes of devotees. Anyone visiting Mangaluru makes it a point to come here,” he said.
The actor shared his personal connection with the shrine, noting that members of his family had already visited earlier. “My son, my daughter and my son-in-law have all visited this place before. I had a long-standing desire to come here, and that wish has been fulfilled today,” he added.
Shetty’s visit was marked by a calm and spiritual atmosphere, with devotees gathering to catch a glimpse of the actor while maintaining the sanctity of the shrine.
Prayers for Border 2 success
Suniel Shetty said that one of the main reasons for his visit was to seek blessings for his son Ahan Shetty’s upcoming film Border 2, which is scheduled for release in the near future. Describing the project as much-awaited, the actor said he prayed for the film’s success and for the well-being of his family.
“Ahan’s film Border 2 is set for release. As a father, I have come here to seek divine blessings for its success,” he said. His statement resonated with many devotees present, who believe that prayers at the Koragajja shrine bring strength and positive outcomes.
Commitment to Tulu language and culture
During his interaction with the media, Suniel Shetty also spoke about his efforts to take Tulu language and culture to a wider audience. He recalled acting in the Tulu film Jai, which he said was driven by his desire to promote the language and cultural identity of the coastal region on a global platform.
“With the intention of taking Tulu language and culture to the world, I acted in the Tulu film Jai,” he said. However, he clarified that at present he does not have any other projects planned in Tulu or Kannada cinema.
His remarks highlighted the challenges and commitment involved in regional cinema, even as they reaffirmed his emotional bond with his native culture.
Felicitation at the shrine
On behalf of the Kutharu Koragajja Adisthala, Suniel Shetty was felicitated and honoured in recognition of his visit and his contribution to promoting the region’s culture. The felicitation was conducted in a simple and dignified manner, in keeping with the spiritual nature of the shrine.
Mumbai-based businessman Vivek Shetty Bolyaguttu, Mahabala Hegde of the Kutharu Koragajja Adikshetra, Deviprasad Shetty, Sriram Rai and several others were present on the occasion. They welcomed the actor and expressed appreciation for his respect towards local traditions and beliefs.
Significance of the visit
The visit of a prominent film personality like Suniel Shetty to the Kutharu Koragajja shrine underscores the widespread faith in the deity across social and professional spheres. For devotees, such visits reaffirm the spiritual importance of the shrine, while also bringing wider attention to the unique daiva worship traditions of Tulunadu.
As Suniel Shetty concluded his visit and departed, devotees continued their prayers, reflecting the enduring spiritual significance of the Koragajja shrine in the cultural and religious life of the coastal region.