Shiroor: The lunar eclipse influenced proceedings on Tuesday, the eighth day of the biennial festival of Goddess Marikamba in Shiroor, widely regarded as the “Maha Kumbh of Malnad”.
The fairgrounds, which had witnessed heavy footfall over the past week, appeared largely vacant during the eclipse period. In view of the sutak observed during the eclipse, all services were suspended from 2.30 pm to 7 pm, though public darshan was permitted.
The temple premises, usually resonating with chants of “Maari Maate”, remained silent during this duration. The reduced crowd was noticeable amid the ongoing celebrations.
Temple priests performed a special mangalarti to the deity in connection with the eclipse. In accordance with customary practice, tulasi was offered to the goddess and flowers were removed. After the eclipse concluded, purification rituals were scheduled in the evening, following which regular darshan and services were to resume.
Devotees utilise reduced crowdWith the crowd thinning due to the eclipse, some local devotees availed the opportunity to have darshan without rush or congestion.
The immersion ritual of the goddess is scheduled to commence at 10.48 am on Wednesday. A significant influx of devotees is expected later tonight for the final darshan following the eclipse.
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