Kateel temple celebrates ‘Adhika Masa’ Navarathri

Mangaluru, Sept 23: Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple is gearing up for the special event on September 25.

While Navarathri is an annual event in the temple, this year the temple is holding two Navaratri!

Navarathri is celebrated for nine days of Ashwayuja Masa. Adhik Masa (extra month) of the lunar calendar comes once in every four years and this year it has coincided with Ashwayuja making it more special at Kateel. The last Adhika Ashwayuja Masa was in 2001.

Maharangapooje will be held on September 25 night

“Adhika Masa has great importance. The month is also called Purushottama Masa also and is very auspicious to Lord Vishnu. This year it is more special for us as it has come during the month of Ashwayuja. At Kateel we have a tradition of organizing two Navarathris if there is Adhika Masa during Ashwayuja,” hereditary archak Sri Harinarayana Dasa Asranna told The Canara Post.

All the pooja’s and customs held during Navarathri are done during the Adhik Maas also. However, the celebration is a low key affair.

While special poojas are done on all the nine days, the last two-day celebration is of much importance.

Maharangapooje will be held on September 25 night.

The main attraction is the Pooja where over 500 ‘aarathi,’ will be offered and is a feast for the eyes for the devotees.

Annadana has already resumed in the temple and everyday hundreds of devotees have food in buffet system.

All the sevas are being offered in the temple (except Hannukai, Ratotsavam).

No Sealdown of Kateel Temple:
Responding to rumors spread in the social media, Kateel Temple authorities said that the temple has not been sealed down.

“Some people are spreading rumors that the temple has been sealed down. This is not true. The temple is open for devotees as usual,” Asranna said.

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