Mangaluru
Maha Shivaratri is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across Dakshina Kannada district, with various religious programs and rituals taking place at Shiva temples on Wednesday.
Prominent temples such as Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple, Sri Mangaladevi Temple, Sharavu Sri Mahaganapati Temple, Kavoor Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, and Pandeshwara Mahalingeshwara Temple are hosting special prayers and rituals.
In Bantwal taluk, the Karinjeshwara Temple has already begun its annual festival, with special Shivaratri prayers, bhajans, and religious programs. The Narahari Parvata Kshetra will also hold night-long bhajans and jagaran (night vigil).
Other temples like Vittal Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Nettl Temple, Bantwal Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Sri Kshetra Odiyoor, Puttur Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Uppinangadi Sri Sahasralingeshwara Temple, Ujire Sri Janardhana Temple, Surya Sri Sadashivarudra Temple, Pajirakka Sri Sadashiveshwara Kshetra, Indabettu Sri Ardhanareeshwara Temple, and Ballamanja Mahathobara Sri Anantheshwara Swamy Temple are also conducting special pujas and religious events.
The festival has boosted the sale of flowers and fruits across the district, with devotees thronging markets to purchase offerings for the rituals.