Mangaluru: Nagara Panchami was celebrated with religious fervour and devotion at the historic Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple at Kudupu on Monday, drawing a large number of devotees from across Dakshina Kannada.
The temple, renowned for its worship of Nagadevata, witnessed a steady stream of devotees throughout the day. Devotees offered prayers to the serpent deities and participated in special poojas and traditional rituals held as part of the festival.
Special poojas performed
Special poojas were conducted at the temple as part of the Nagara Panchami celebrations. Devotees offered flowers, turmeric, kumkum and other traditional offerings to Nagadevata and took part in the rituals with devotion.
The temple premises remained crowded as devotees arrived from different parts of the district to seek the blessings of the serpent deity.
Many devotees also performed special sevas associated with Naga worship, continuing a tradition that has been followed by generations in the region.
The rituals formed the central part of the day’s celebrations, with devotees observing the festival as an occasion to express their reverence towards Nagadevata.
Devotees participate in annadana
Following the special prayers and rituals, devotees participated in annadana arranged at the temple as part of the celebrations.
The large gathering continued throughout the day as devotees completed their prayers and took part in the religious and community activities organised at the temple.
The arrangements enabled devotees visiting from different parts of Dakshina Kannada to participate in the celebrations and receive prasada.
Kudupu’s connection with Naga tradition
Temple priest and Kudupu resident Manohar Bhat said the area has a special connection with the Naga tradition and that people have traditionally lived with reverence towards Nagadevata.
He said devotees perform special poojas and sevas such as Tambila as expressions of gratitude and devotion to the serpent deity.
According to him, the rituals also have a spiritual significance, with devotees seeking forgiveness for mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly and praying for the continued protection and blessings of Nagadevata.
The observance of such rituals reflects the strong cultural connection between the local community and Naga worship.
Nagara Panchami holds special significance
Nagara Panchami is observed during the Shravana month and holds particular significance in coastal Karnataka.
In Tulunadu, Naga worship forms an important part of the region’s religious and cultural traditions. Nagabanas, Naga Brahmasthanas and temples dedicated to serpent deities are found across the coastal belt, where devotees continue to observe traditional rituals and festivals.
The worship is closely associated with beliefs surrounding protection, prosperity and harmony with nature. Families and communities often visit Naga shrines during Nagara Panchami to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Kudupu is among the prominent centres of Naga worship in the region, and the annual festival attracts devotees in large numbers.
Devotees arrive from across Dakshina Kannada
The celebrations at Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple brought together devotees from various parts of Dakshina Kannada.
The large turnout reflected the continued importance of Nagara Panchami in the coastal region, where traditional religious practices remain closely connected with community life.
Devotees participated in the rituals with faith and devotion, while the temple premises remained active with religious activities throughout the day.
The festival also provided an opportunity for devotees to observe traditional practices, offer prayers and participate in community meals.
Tradition continues at Kudupu
The celebrations at Kudupu highlighted the enduring importance of Naga worship in coastal Karnataka.
From special poojas and traditional offerings to Tambila sevas and annadana, the day’s programmes brought together religious observance and community participation.
For devotees, Nagara Panchami was an occasion not only to seek the blessings of Nagadevata but also to continue ancestral traditions associated with the serpent deity.
With devotees arriving throughout the day from different parts of Dakshina Kannada, the historic temple witnessed a vibrant and devotional atmosphere. The celebrations reaffirmed Kudupu’s place as an important centre of Naga worship in the coastal region.
Nagara Panchami celebrated with fervour at Kudupu temple
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