Mulki: Jasmine offering marks devotion at Bappanadu temple

Mulki: In a grand display of devotion, an extraordinary offering of jasmine flowers—locally referred to as cheṇḍu mallige—was made to Goddess Sri Durgaparameshwari of Bappanadu on Thursday, the eve of the annual Brahmarathotsava. Temple sources confirmed that this year’s offering exceeded previous records, with over 1.5 lakh jasmine bundles dedicated to the deity.

Volunteers at the temple actively collected flowers brought by devotees, which were then artistically arranged along both corridors of the temple’s inner sanctum. These fragrant garlands were later taken into the sanctum sanctorum for the traditional Shayanotsava (ceremonial resting of the deity).

Devotees from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasaragod, Mumbai, and Bengaluru contributed generously to the jasmine offering. To meet the rising demand, several jasmine stalls had been set up around the temple premises. However, the overwhelming turnout led to many stalls running out of stock by nightfall.

On Friday, April 18, the temple gates are expected to open slightly later than usual. Rituals including fruit and flower offerings, and mangalaarati will take place. Following the rituals, the jasmine flowers offered to the deity will be distributed among devotees as a divine blessing.