Deepavali - Karthik Poornima Celebrations at Kochi Tirumala Devaswom temple

I enjoyed the recent Deepavali celebrations in Kochi Tirumala Devaswom temple as I got  an opportunity to celebrate it in my hometown Kochi.The temple was opened at 4.45 am and devotees thronged the temple to participate in the early morning worship.

The idol of Lord Venkatachalapathy was given a special abhishekam with perfumed oil known as champel made by soaking scented flowers in oil which was  later distributed among the devotees. Worshipping the Lord by singing devotional songs and performing aarti made of oil wicks  kept in the centre of rice flour balls are also part of the festivities. This is called as Divyan aarti and goes on for about 1 hour in the temple.

Special worship is performed to Tulsi and it is believed that Lord Narayana resides and meditates inside the Tulsi for a  month starting 10th day of Navarathri. It ended on Uthana Dwadashi which was on 18th November 2010. GSB's celebrate the whole month as the Karthika masa. During this period  paper lanterns  known as panjire are hung in front of the houses and lamps are lit in the morning and evening.

On Diwali day, Tulsi in the temple was  decorated well with diyas,( lamps) rangolis, flowers and thoranas made of palm and mango leaves. Special worship for Tulsi is also conducted on Uthana dwadashi  day too and on that day it is believed that Lord Narayana leaves for Vaikunta.

 On Karthik Poornima day, the  Lord is worshipped under the Nelli maram(gooseberry tree). The idols are adorned with garlands made of gooseberries.The legend is that after killing Narakasura, the Lord rested under a Nelli tree.

 A few photographs are displayed below for you to enjoy Diwali - Kartika Poornima in  Kochi temple. I have also added a few snaps of Uthana Dwadashi, Tulsi  pooja  celebrations at my home.

 The aaratu of Lord Venkachalapathi is starting on  Dec 3rd 2010. For a glimpse of April  Chaitra masa aaratu pictures click here.

Uthana dwadashi- Tulsi pooja at home.

Nagesh temple- Ponda, Goa

 Nagesh  Maharudra temple is  yet another Siva temple in Bandora village  in Ponda. . This temple also houses Lakshmi Narayana and Ganesha shrines. The temple was built in 1780 AD

Nagesh Lingam here is a swayambhu( self.-manifestation) believed to have miraculous powers.

The history of the temple is not known. This temple was  left untouched during the religious persecution by the Portuguese rulers. There are inscriptions in the temple which throws light on the antiquity of the temple. The mandapam in front of the temple has intricate wooden carvings which depict various stories from Hindu epics.

Shri Nagesh Maharudra temple is situated on Fermagude-Kavalem-Ponda road.
Location of the temple is provided along with labels. For other posts on Goa temples On My Pilgrimage click here

How to reach: Nearest railway station Madgaon . Ponda is 16 Kms. from the railway station.

Dabolim is the airport in Goa.

Accommodation - Most of the temples have accommodation facilities for the community members. Budget and luxury hotels are available here.

Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwar temple- Mangalore.

 Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwar temple  is  just 3 Kms from   Mangalore city railway station. The  presiding deity is Siva  and this idol was consecrated by Sri Narayana Guru, a  saint and social reformer belonging to Kerala in 1912. The temple was constructed mainly for the Billava community who were denied entry to other temples in those days.  There are also sub shrines for Krishna, Ganapathi, Subramanya,  Durga, Anna Poorneshwari, Hanuman, Saneeshwara and Navagrahas  here. The temple was renovated few years back. Marble is used extensively in this temple and is maintained very well.  In summer to help the devotees ,carpets are laid out on the walk way . The ceiling of each shrine is embellished with minute carvings.

Other temples, in and around Mangalore on My Pilgrimage

Venkataramana and Mahamaya temple

DurgaParameshwari temple, Kateel

Kadri Manjunatheshwara temple

How to reach: Mangalore  can be reached by road , rail or air. 

Accommodation: Luxury , deluxe and budget hotels are available suiting  all.

Town buses, cabs and auto rickshaws are available to reach this place.

See map, for location which is given along with tags.

Kadri Manjunatheshwara temple- Mangalore

Majunatheswara temple is an ancient temple right inside the city of Manglore and the temple has Kadri hills  as a back drop. The thick green foliage on the hills lend a beautiful charm to the whole setting.  The tower of this temple is  unique and it  resembles a Buddhist pagoda. There is a Ganesha temple as soon as one enters the temple precincts, on the left side. The temple dates back to the  10th century but the present structure is around 500 years old . Goddess Parvati is worshipped on the Western side of the temple. It is believed that Siva and Parvati  came to reside here at the request of Lord Parasurama. The bronze statue of the Lord Lokeshwara here   in  padmasana (seated pose) is considered to be finest bronze statue in India.

A natural spring at an elevated location known as Goumukha,  believed here, to be the river Ganges itself. One has to climb a few steps to reach this spot.  The water flowing out is let into  the ponds here.  The temple pond  here is found at a higher level than the temple unlike other temples where it is found at a lower level.  There are also many caves  here and it is believed that Pandavas came and stayed here during their exile.

How to reach- Mangalore is well connected by Road, rail and air and offers attractive accommodation luxury, deluxe and economy class . People are friendly and anybody can be comfortable here.  

Other temples in Mangalore  on " My Pilgrimage"

1. Venkata ramana and Mahamaya temple

2. Durga Parameshwari temple , Kateel near Mangalore.

For location, see map at the bottom of the post.