Our Scriptures tell us about Lord Shrihari’s incarnations on this earth time and again, in order to protect his devotees by means of destroying evil forces. There are also references in puranas to Mother Goddess appearances on the earth to fulfil the same mission.
Lord Vishnu incarnates on this earth to protect righteous and virtuous people by punishing the perpretrators of evil and cruelty.
On those days of kshatriya kings lording over the world they had turned so tyrannical that good people felt impossible to bear it. They prayed to Mahavishnu to save them. In response to their prayer Mahavishnu incarnated as the son of sage Jamadagni Renuka and was given the Bharavarama. As a child he showed great promise. As he was holding a Parashu (AXE) he got another name ‘Parashurama’.
Parashurama felt that wicked Kshatriyas had to be taught a lesson. He swore to cleanse the world by annihilating the weedlike Kshatriyas. Going on twenty one expedition around the world he went on killing spree and annihilated Kshatriyas who symbolized and evil and tyranny. This land whatever he won he gave every inch to the sage Kashyapa in charity. After his vows fulfilled he started his penance in Sahyadri no propititate Lord Shiva and seek his guidance.
Lord Shiva appeared before him and said,”Pray to Lord. Varuna to grant you a piece of land. If he does not oblige you can show your axe and he will yield. The land thus got from the sea shall be your area of activity. It will be known as “parashurama Sristi” and prove to be a hallowed and holy land, and adore of saints and sages, Goddess Mangaladevi will sanctify that place embodying the power of Shiva and shakti.
The place name Mangalapura owes its origin to the temple of Mangaladevi. The pious people even today believe that worship of Mangaladevi brings them prosperity and happiness. The temple has a special signifance for the maidens. Maidens who observe ‘Mangala Paravati Vrata’ will have their wish of having a suitable match, fulfilled. Those who celebrate their wedding in this holy place will have a happy married life.
In 10th century Tulunadu the famous king Kundavarma, the most famous ruler was ruling Alupa dynasty, Mangalore was the capital of his kingdom. There came two sages named Machhendrandratha and Gorakanatha from Nepal. They reached Mangalapura, crossing the river Netravathi. This place came to be known as ‘Gorakdandu’. The place where sage kapila’s hermitage was a great centre of education
After the arrival of two saints the king himself came forward to give respect and patronage. Here they put forward their views regarding the upbringing of the center of their religious activities under his protection. These sages brought to the knowledge of the king about the existence of the temple of mother Mangaladevi, from their own mouth. He heard the story of Vikhasini, Andasura and Parashurama and the temple built by him.
They took the king along with them to show these historical places to retrieve the Linga and the Dharapatra denoting Mangaladevi and install them in the shrine along with Nagaraja for the protection
Kundavarma carried the advice of two sages, and there stood Mangaladevi temple on that hallowed place. These two sages stood by the working of these temples. This temple attained special significance and favors especially on maidens.
Even now the two temples at Mangaladevi and Kadri have maintained their connection . The Heads of Kadri Yogirajmutt visit Mangaladevi temple on the first day of Kadri temple festival and offer prayer and silk cloth to the Goddess.
THE MAIN PART OF DASARA CELEBRATION
Indeed it was a great festival which was celebrated on October 8th Tuesday 2019, in the evening at 7.30 am after the sunset, when moon had started glowing.
There was punched up of lights hanging around in Mangaladevi temple. The festival started nearly nine days back, with the richness of festive mood. The temple was well cleansed and glittered. Mangaladevi goddess was bestowed with grace of purity, with ornaments and Indian traditional silk saris with utmost simplistic and glory. There was sparkling of blessings to each and every devotee who came there for this instance.
She was adorned with pooja’s and meals for each one in a disciplined manner. All the devotees were eagerly waiting to have just a glimpse over her, to purify their sins and to overcome their problems, to the betterment of future endurance, regarding their health, wealth and wisdom.
Just a thought of it of being there was a great thrilling moment.
There was an ample of trucks depicting the Ramayana, Shiva avatar, Goddess Ayyappa, flock dances of Tiger, Bear, and step put together by the group of youngsters, beating of drums and thali of both genders. It was a good talent put forward by them, we being there must encourage them to bring out the beauty of this spirit and they glorify the name of Devi.
There was the display of many stalls of fancy items, food items, kitchen ware, garments, juices, ice-cream stalls and toys etc..
The police troop had a leading role in maintaining the discipline and safety of the public and it is our gratitude to salute to them. The Ratha was colored and beautifully decorated with Goddess in it, which was pulled up by the group of men to glorify Devi the strength rendered to them, helping her to move around who was eagerly waiting for her look
It ended up late night with much of honor to her. We the devotees are eagerly waiting for the same colorful festival with the spirit of oneness in again being there for her divinity to be bestowed to us as a hungry fox and a thirsty crow story.
How grateful and pleasant moment we all spent there. Oh! It was a heaven to us as a soul cleansing seconds, hoping for the best next year.
Annie Regi (M.A Eng Literature )