Mangaluru: Various Shiva temples across Dakshina Kannada district are hosting religious ceremonies on Wednesday in celebration of Maha Shivaratri.

Prominent temples such as Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple, Sri Mangaladevi Temple, Sharavu Sri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kavoor Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, and Pandeshwar Mahalingeshwara Temple will witness special rituals and devotional activities.

At Karinjeshwara Temple in Bantwal taluk, festivities have already begun with a temple fair, devotional singing, and religious programs scheduled for the day. Similarly, Narahari Parvatha Kshetra will host special poojas, night-long vigils, and bhajans.

Other temples, including Vitla Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Netla Temple, Bantwal Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Sri Kshetra Odiyoor, Puttur Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Uppinangady Sri Sahasralingeshwara Temple, Ujire Sri Janardhana Temple, Surya Sri Sadashivarudra Temple, Pajiradka Sri Sadashiveshwara Kshetra, Indabettu Sri Ardhanareeshwara Temple, and Ballamanja Sri Ananteshwara Swamy Temple, are observing the festival with special poojas and religious rituals. The festive spirit has led to an increase in the demand for flowers and fruits across the district.

Grand Shivaratri Festivities in Udupi

Udupi: Maha Shivaratri is being celebrated with grandeur in Udupi, with special prayers, abhisheka, and cultural events at various temples across the district.

Major temples such as Sri Ananteshwara, Sri Chandramoulishwara, Sri Umameshwara, Sri Brahmalingeshwara, and Sri Mahalingeshwara Temples held Panchamrita Abhisheka, special archana, and Bilvaarchana from early morning.

The festivities will also feature cultural programs, bhajans by devotional groups, and an all-night jagarane. Many devotees will observe fasting and participate in night-long prayers, marking the significance of Maha Shivaratri in the region.