MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda offered a bagina at the holy Honnammana Lake in Doddamalthe village, Somwarpet taluk, Kodagu district, on the occasion of the Gauri festival. Prior to the offering, the MLA performed special prayers at Sri Siddeshwara, Sri Basaveshwara and Mother Honnamma temples.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Gowda said the annual tradition of devotees visiting Sri Siddeshwara and Sri Basaveshwara temples and offering bagina at Honnammana Lake holds special significance. He noted that newly married couples and families in large numbers participate with devotion during the Gauri festival. “This time we expect good rainfall and a good crop, though there have been some challenges due to heavy rains,” he added.
Prominent attendees included K.P. Chandrakala, Lokesh, temple management board chairman M.B. Chandrashekar, secretary Pradeep Kumar, committee members and others.
Background: For centuries, devotees from Kodagu and neighboring districts have been offering special prayers at the Honnamma temple in Doddamalthe during the Gauri festival. Girls, in particular, visit with enthusiasm and devotion, receiving tirtha prasadam from the sacred lake. Honnammana Lake, steeped in history and folklore, continues to be a unique site of faith where the offering of bagina during Gauri festival has become a revered tradition.
