Special pujas, processions and cultural programmes mark the festival
Maha Shivaratri was celebrated with religious fervour across Kodagu district with special pujas, processions and cultural programmes in various temples.
At the Sri Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri, special rituals including Rudrahoma and Mahamangalarati were performed from early morning. Prasadam was distributed to devotees.
At the Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple, elaborate rituals such as Shata Rudrabhisheka, Rudrahoma, Devara Utsava, Anna Santharpane and Laksha Deepotsava were conducted in the presence of hundreds of devotees. A Yakshagana performance titled “Om Namah Shivaya” was staged as part of the celebrations.
Special pujas were also held at Talakaveri Temple, including Shata Rudrabhisheka and Ekadasha Rudrabhisheka.
At the Botlappa Temple near Kadagadalu, Abhisheka and Annadanam were organised. Devotional rituals were also conducted at the Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, where Ksheerabhisheka and Panchamrutha Abhisheka were performed for the Shiva Linga.
The festival was celebrated with grandeur at the Makeri Sri Gauri Shankara Temple, where devotees participated in a colourful procession accompanied by bhajan troupes and traditional drum performances. Ganapati Homa, Mrityunjaya Homa, Rudrabhisheka and Annadanam were conducted, followed by cultural programmes and Yakshagana in the evening.
Special Shivaratri rituals were also held in temples across Virajpet and Somwarpet taluks.
