Annual Festivals
The Temple lights up even brighter than usual during the festivals. It is a time for Mahajans to meet, get involved in religious and cultural events at the Temple and celebrate Life in general. The original festivals are ancient in nature. Each of them has a specific message or motive in its being celebrated. Some have been instituted by Mahajans later on and some have been carried on since time immemorial. But to be in the temple during a festival, all lit up and decorated, with the devotees dressed in their festive best, the hustle and the bustle, the rites and the rituals, is an experience to cherish.
Samvatsar Pratipadha: Shree Ganesh Pujan, Gudi Padva celebration, Kodu Limbu Prashan, Panchang Pujan & Reading at 5.00 p.m. Shudh Dwitiya: Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Mutt Sthapana Vardhanti Utsav and H. H. Srimad Vidhyadhiraj Teerth Swamiji Pattabhishek day. Shree Laxminarayan Silver Sukhasana and Vassant Puja. Samuhik Prarthana & Prasad Vitaran.
Shudh Navami: Ramnavmi, Shree Ramjanmotsav at 12.00 noon. Annasantarpan. This Seva is performed by Late Shri. Sridhar Shenvi Juwarkar & Family and Mangalpadi Shenoy Family from Mangalore.
As per H. H. Swamiji’s Margadarshan: Devasthan Mahaanushthan (Mahavishnu, Maharudra, Navachandi & Shree Satyanarayan Puja) in the month of Chaitra.
Vadhya Saptami: H. H. Srimad Indirakant Teerth Swamiji Punyatithee Shree Laxminarayan Utsav and Vassant Puja.
On a convenient day in April/May, Sneha Sammelan is celebrated at the Temple property in Costem Bhaat. This is in continuation of the Amya Samradhan festive lunch held at Curdi Shetodi during olden days before the Curdi Shetodi was acquired by the Government for the Salaulim Dam project.
Samuhik Upanayan Samskar : This Seva is availed to the needy parents to preform the Upanayan Samskar of their Batus by Shree Ramnath Charities.
Akshay Tritiya: Shashvat Seva of Shree Laxminarayan Lalkotsav and Vassant Puja instituted by Srimad Purnapradnya Teerth Swamiji since last 180 years. Shree Ramnath Palkhi and Santarpan Seva by Late Shri. Hari Shenvi Murkunde & Family. Shree Parshuram Jayanti Utsav.Shudh Chaturthi: Shree Kamaxi Utsav by Late Shri. Srinivas Nayak Burye & Family. Vassant Puja.Shudh Panchami : Shree Shanteri Utsav by Late Shri. Totekar Family.Shudh Trayodashi : Shree Shanteri & Shree Kamaxi Punarpratishthapana in Vibhavnaam Samvatsar, Shake 1910, on Friday, 29-04-1988 (Hast Nakshatra). Annasantarpan Seva by Shri. Sanjay Bichu, Belgaum and Shri. Satish Pai, Mumbai. At 8.30 p.m. Shree Shanteri & Shree Kamaxi Puja is performed at Shree Ramnath Chowk, Vassant Puja, Ashthavadan & Prasad Vitaran. Shudh Chaturdashi: Shree Narcinva Jayanti , Vassant Puja and Ashthavadan Seva by Late Shri. Ramchandra Venkatesh Nayak & Family from Rivona.
Samproxan with Ashtottar Shatakalasharchan to all Deities is performed on any one day between Shuddha Dwadashi and Pournima. After Aartis to all Deities, Annsantarpan, a Seva by Bhat Mathakar Family, is offere
Shree Ramnath Puja and Silver Palkhi on every Monday. On the second Monday, Shree Ramnath procession is taken on the Garuda Wahana and on the last Monday, Shree Ramnath procession is taken on the Golden Palkhi. Shree Shanteri Puja and Palkhi on both panchami .
Shree Kamaxi Puja on every Sunday and Palkhi Utsav on Amavasya .
1st Monday: Annasantarpan
2nd Monday: Annasantarpan. Shree Ramnath Namasmaran (12 hours).
3rd Monday: Annasantarpan .
4th Monday: Annasantarpan.
(On the last Monday (may be 4th or 5th), Procession of Golden Palkhi is taken out in the Prakar after Bhojan at 09.30 p.m. On all other Mondays, Procession of Silver Palkhi is taken out in the Prakar at 09.00 p.m.)
Shudh Panchami: Nag Panchami
Shudh Chaturdashi / Pournima: Hrukashravani. Yadnopavit Abhimantran Pujan and Dharan.
Vadhya Ashtami: Shree Krishna Janmashtami. Sahastra Tulashi Archan, Argya Pradan, Puja and Prasad Vitaran.
Annual Shree Maharudra & Shatachandi commencement is instituted in such a way that the Samapti falls on the last Monday on which day Maha Annaantarpan is offered by the Devasthan.
Shree Nagesh Maharudra
On the next day, Sthal Puja, Samuhik Prarthana and Prasad Vitaran.
Shudh Trutiya : Shree Gauri Tritiya Vrata
Shudh Chaturthi : Shree Ganesh Chaturthi Vrata
Shudh Panchami : Nav-ann Grahan Samarpaan
Shudh Chaturdashi : Shree Anantvrata Utsav and Santarpan Seva by Late Shri. Ramnath Vittal Shenvi Kunkolienker & Family.
Annual Maharudra is commenced in such a way that Samapti is performed on Monday. After Aartis to all Deities, Annasantarpan is offered by the Devasthan. On the next day i.e. on Tuesday, Kaul Prasad for holding Navaratri / Shivaratri Utsav without any hindrance / obstacles is taken at Shree Betal, Shree Shanteri, Shree Kamaxi and Shikhya Kaul Prasad at Shri Ramnath at 08.00 a.m.
Shudh Pournima : Madhyan Mahapuja, Aarti, Khir Naivedya,14 Pradakshina Namaskar, Prarthana, Brahman Pujan, Daan Dakshina, etc.
From Shudha pratipada till Navami, Kamaksha Makarotsava. On Dusserah day Simollanghan palakhi; Palakhis of Shree Ramnath and Shree Kamaksha go up the hill for simollanghan. There is pooja of Shami and Aapta trees. Then people give Aapta leaves to one another. When the palakhis come down, Shree Ramnath is already in Gold Palakhi, Shree Kamaksha is placed in Vijay Rath and Shree Shanteri on Ambari. At night Shree Ramnath Makarotsava and on Ekadashi day Shree Shanteri Makarotsava. On pournima day, Kojagari utsav, from Shudha Dwadashi to Kartik pournima kakad Aarti and Harijagar for one month. On Vadya Chaturdashi day Deepawali and Dhanlaxmi utsav of late Shri Anant V. Keni and brothers.
Shudh Dwadashi : Tulsi Vivaah
Shudh Chaturdashi : Vaikunth Chaturdashi Utsav and Vana bhojan – Seva by Late Shri. Keshav Pai Angle, Assolna.
Pournima : Vana bhojan in honor of Shree Laxminarayana. Deepmala – Deepotsav in the night – Seva by Mallaye Family.
In the olden days, the Dasha Avatari Kala was celebrated on Vadhya Pratipada and was performed by Late Bapu Pandurang Khote & Party and on Vadhya Dwitiya Gavalan Kala was being performed. Subsequently, it was decided in 1990 that the Mahajans will perform and celebrate the Dasha Avatari Kala on the first Monday after Pournima and Gavala Kala on the following Tuesday.
In 2014, it was decided in the meeting of Shree Ramnath Mahajan Natyamandal that on the first Saturday after Poornima, the Dasha Avtari Kala may be performed and on the next day, i.e. on Sunday, Gavalan Kala may be performed. On this day, after Gavalan Kala, Silver Sukhasan of Shree Ramnath is taken ceremoniously to Talli and Pooja is performed. Then the procession returns to Prakar and after Pradakshina to the temple, the Silver Sukhasan of Shree Ramnath is taken on the Chowk, the Murthi is placed in its original place in Garbhagraha and Aarti is performed.
Vadhya Ashthami : Shree Kalbhairav Jayanti
Vadhya Trayodashi : During Shree Kapileshwari Jatrotsav, in the evening, arrival of Palkhi of Shree Madhav Dev from Agapur to Costem Bhaat takes place and on behalf of Devasthan, Bahuman of Shree Madhav Dev is performed.
Dhanurmas Annasantarpana: Pooja, Aartis and naivedya to the deities and annasantarpan early morning before sunrise.
In Dhanurmas (when the Sun is in Dhanu Rashi), Shree Betal Dudhi Bhaji, Vade prasad on a suitable Monday and the next morning i.e. on Tuesday Annasantarpan at 07.00 a.m. is offered.
Pournima : Sunvari Vadan commences in the evening during Aarti on Shri Ramnath Chowk. This vadan continues until Falgun Maas.
Amavasya : At 07.00 p.m. Samuhik Prarthana to Shree Betal is offered on behalf of Devasthan Committee, Mahajans and Kullavis, then Churmure & Shirani Naivedya is distributed.
Both Panchami : Shree Shanteri Puja and Palkhi Utsav. Vadhya Panchami: The Punarpratishthapana of Shree Laxminarayan, Shree Ramnath Shikhar Kalash was done at the holy hands of H. H. Srimad Vidyadhirajteerth Swami Maharaj in Prabhavnaam Samvatsar, Magh Vadhya Panchami, Shake 1909, Monday, 08-02-1988 (Hast/Chitra Nakshatra). On Shree Laxminarayan, Shree Ramnath Shikhar Kalash Pratishthapana Day, the “Char Devachem Wahan is placed in a beautifully floral decorated mantap in the Naukavihar, Ashthavadhan Seva is performed near Talli and then Wahan is taken in a splendid Procession in the Prakar. This Seva is offered in memory of Late Shri. Shanubab Kirtani.
From Magh Krishna Dwadashi to Falgun Shudh Dwitiya :
Both Panchami : Shree Shanteri Puja and Palkhi Utsav.
Vadhya Panchami: The Punarpratishthapana of Shree Laxminarayan, Shree Ramnath Shikhar Kalash was done at the holy hands of H. H. Srimad Vidyadhirajteerth Swami Maharaj in Prabhavnaam Samvatsar, Magh Vadhya Panchami, Shake 1909, Monday, 08-02-1988 (Hast/Chitra Nakshatra). On Shree Laxminarayan, Shree Ramnath Shikhar Kalash Pratishthapana Day, the “Char Devachem Wahan is placed in a beautifully floral decorated mantap in the Naukavihar, Ashthavadhan Seva is performed near Talli and then Wahan is taken in a splendid Procession in the Prakar. This Seva is offered in memory of Late Shri. Shanubab Kirtani.
From Magh Krishna Dwadashi to Falgun Shudh Dwitiya :
The Mahashivratri Mahotsav – Deities are taken out in procession in various wahanas like Palkhis, Lalkhis, etc. Various programmes including dramas staged by Mahajans are carried out. The celebrations might last for either five or six days. This year, the festival is over a period of five days.
On the First day:
Devasthan Navachandi starts. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. Silver Palakhi of Shree Ramnath and Silver Sukhasana of Shree Kamaxi is ceremoniously taken for a Pradakshina at 09.00 p.m. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place. The Mangalacharan starts at 10.00 p.m.
On Mahashivaratri day:
Devasthan Navachandi continues. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. Golden Palakhi of Shree Ramnath and Ambari of Shree Kamaxi is ceremoniously taken for a Pradakshina at 09.00 p.m. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m.
The Third day :
At 5.00 a.m. a silent procession is taken out from Devasthan Sabhamantap to Mahadwar near Talli with an Idol of Brass Nagha seated a Wooden Ratha, Khandyavarcha Ratha. Then a Silver Sukhasana procession of Shree Ramnath is taken out from Ramnath Chowk to the Mahadwar accompanied by Archaks, Mahajans and Kullavis along with traditional Shehnai Vadan. Shree Ramnath seats in the Ratha and the procession then comes back to Devasthan’s Sabhamantap ceremoniously with all Mahajans and Kullavis along with Adpaikars, dancing to the beats of Dholls & Tashas. Devasthan Navachandi continues. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. At 5.00 p.m. Shree Ramnath seats in this Ratha and the ratha is placed in the Sabhamantap. The Ratha is beautifully decorated with Orange triangular Flags with Shree Ramnath Prassanna inscribed on it, Abdagirs and Maruti Idol on the top. The devotees, in large numbers, carry this Ratha in their forearms and dance rhythmically to the beats of the dholls & tashas, in the sabhamantap. The devotees present in the sabhamantap throw Laadus, Khajem, coins etc. on the ratha and seek Blessings. The Ratha then steps out in the Devasthan Prakar and with the same fervour goes for a Pradakshina to the Temple. All along the path in the prakar of the Devasthan, the hands carrying the ratha change but not the enthusiasm. At 5.00 a.m., a Silver Palakhi of Shree Kamaxi accompanies the procession of Shree Ramnath seated in this Ratha and at 5.00 p.m., a Golden Palakhi of Shree Kamaxi accompanies the procession. When the procession is brought back in the Sabhamantap, Narall Ovalni to Shree Ramnath is performed. Golden Palakhi of Shree Ramnath and Ambari of Shree Kamaxi is ceremoniously taken for a Pradakshina at 09.00 p.m. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m. Narall Ovalni to Shree Kamaxi is performed on the Amavasya Day by large numbers of Mahajans & Kullavis after the completion of Drama.
Fourth day:
Devasthan Navachandi continues. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. At 09.00 p.m. A Silver Sukhasana of Shree Ramnath is taken to Talli for Nauka Vihar. After the Nauka Vihar celebration, Shree Ramnath sits in the Ashva Wahan, Shree Kamaxi in Silver Palakhi, Shree Shanteri in Golden Palakhi and the procession is carried out in the precincts of the Devasthan. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m.
On the last day:
The Devasthan Navachandi samapti with poornahuti. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. Kaul Prasad is held at 3.00 p.m. At 09.00 p.m. Silver Palakhi of Shree Ramnath, Golden Palakhi of Shree Shanteri accompanies Vijay Ratha of Shree Kamaxi and the procession goes ceremoniously for a Pradakshina around the temple. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Ramnath takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m. The Mahajan’s Nrutyagayan Samaroh on the Chowk concludes the Mahashivaratri Festival.
Falgun Pournima : Holika Dahan
Krishna Pratipada : Halldune
From Falgun Pournima to Falgun Vadhya Shashthi
Shigmotsav is celebrated with pomp & gaiety. Local Groups come to Prakar ceremoniously and present their “Romta Mel’ in the Prakar and seek blessings from the Deities during Shigmotsav period. Also, prior to Shigmotsav, Adpaikars visit the Temple and receive the “Holy Chatri” which they take to Adpai and after performing Puja and other rituals on their “Mann”, they revisit the Temple on Vadhya Panchami day in the evening with The Chatri and Romta Mel accompanied by a large participants dancing to the tune of Dhol & Tashas. They perform their act in the Prakar and accompany the procession of Shree Shanteri Palakhi which is taken out on the occasion of the Panchami Day and seek Divine blessings. Devasthan then awards them a traditional ‘Shidha’ which they accept devotionally. They prepare the evening meal in the Agrashala with this Shidha and serve the participants as Prasad.
On the following day i.e. on Eknathi Shashthi, a Silver Sukhasana of Shree Shanteri is taken out on a procession at 10.00 a.m. in the Temple Prakar. The Sukhasan returns in the Temple and after Aarti to all Deities, the Celebration of Shigmo comes to an end with Gulalotsav in the Sabhamantap.
It is worth mentioning that this ‘SHIGMOTSAVA’ in the month of Falguna is the only major festival of Shree Shanteri Devi and thus is significantly celebrated with all the enthusiasm by the Mahajans, Kullavis, local residents along with the Adpaikars.
– Deities are taken out in procession in various wahanas like Palkhis, Lalkhis, etc. Various programmes including dramas staged by Mahajans are carried out. The celebrations might last for either five or six days. This year, the festival is over a period of five days.
On the First day:
Devasthan Navachandi starts. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. Silver Palakhi of Shree Ramnath and Silver Sukhasana of Shree Kamaxi is ceremoniously taken for a Pradakshina at 09.00 p.m. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place. The Mangalacharan starts at 10.00 p.m.
On Mahashivaratri day:
Devasthan Navachandi continues. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. Golden Palakhi of Shree Ramnath and Ambari of Shree Kamaxi is ceremoniously taken for a Pradakshina at 09.00 p.m. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m.
The Third day :
At 5.00 a.m. a silent procession is taken out from Devasthan Sabhamantap to Mahadwar near Talli with an Idol of Brass Nagha seated a Wooden Ratha, Khandyavarcha Ratha. Then a Silver Sukhasana procession of Shree Ramnath is taken out from Ramnath Chowk to the Mahadwar accompanied by Archaks, Mahajans and Kullavis along with traditional Shehnai Vadan. Shree Ramnath seats in the Ratha and the procession then comes back to Devasthan’s Sabhamantap ceremoniously with all Mahajans and Kullavis along with Adpaikars, dancing to the beats of Dholls & Tashas. Devasthan Navachandi continues. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. At 5.00 p.m. Shree Ramnath seats in this Ratha and the ratha is placed in the Sabhamantap. The Ratha is beautifully decorated with Orange triangular Flags with Shree Ramnath Prassanna inscribed on it, Abdagirs and Maruti Idol on the top. The devotees, in large numbers, carry this Ratha in their forearms and dance rhythmically to the beats of the dholls & tashas, in the sabhamantap. The devotees present in the sabhamantap throw Laadus, Khajem, coins etc. on the ratha and seek Blessings. The Ratha then steps out in the Devasthan Prakar and with the same fervour goes for a Pradakshina to the Temple. All along the path in the prakar of the Devasthan, the hands carrying the ratha change but not the enthusiasm. At 5.00 a.m., a Silver Palakhi of Shree Kamaxi accompanies the procession of Shree Ramnath seated in this Ratha and at 5.00 p.m., a Golden Palakhi of Shree Kamaxi accompanies the procession. When the procession is brought back in the Sabhamantap, Narall Ovalni to Shree Ramnath is performed. Golden Palakhi of Shree Ramnath and Ambari of Shree Kamaxi is ceremoniously taken for a Pradakshina at 09.00 p.m. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m. Narall Ovalni to Shree Kamaxi is performed on the Amavasya Day by large numbers of Mahajans & Kullavis after the completion of Drama.
Fourth day:
Devasthan Navachandi continues. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. At 09.00 p.m. A Silver Sukhasana of Shree Ramnath is taken to Talli for Nauka Vihar. After the Nauka Vihar celebration, Shree Ramnath sits in the Ashva Wahan, Shree Kamaxi in Silver Palakhi, Shree Shanteri in Golden Palakhi and the procession is carried out in the precincts of the Devasthan. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Kamaxi takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m.
On the last day:
The Devasthan Navachandi samapti with poornahuti. Annasantarpan is performed after Aartis at around 12.45 p.m. Kaul Prasad is held at 3.00 p.m. At 09.00 p.m. Silver Palakhi of Shree Ramnath, Golden Palakhi of Shree Shanteri accompanies Vijay Ratha of Shree Kamaxi and the procession goes ceremoniously for a Pradakshina around the temple. Then Sajjarohan of Shree Ramnath takes place followed by Drama at 10.30 p.m. The Mahajan’s Nrutyagayan Samaroh on the Chowk concludes the Mahashivaratri Festival.
Falgun Pournima : Holika Dahan
Krishna Pratipada : Halldune
From Falgun Pournima to Falgun Vadhya Shashthi
Shigmotsav is celebrated with pomp & gaiety. Local Groups come to Prakar ceremoniously and present their “Romta Mel’ in the Prakar and seek blessings from the Deities during Shigmotsav period. Also, prior to Shigmotsav, Adpaikars visit the Temple and receive the “Holy Chatri” which they take to Adpai and after performing Puja and other rituals on their “Mann”, they revisit the Temple on Vadhya Panchami day in the evening with The Chatri and Romta Mel accompanied by a large participants dancing to the tune of Dhol & Tashas. They perform their act in the Prakar and accompany the procession of Shree Shanteri Palakhi which is taken out on the occasion of the Panchami Day and seek Divine blessings. Devasthan then awards them a traditional ‘Shidha’ which they accept devotionally. They prepare the evening meal in the Agrashala with this Shidha and serve the participants as Prasad.
On the following day i.e. on Eknathi Shashthi, a Silver Sukhasana of Shree Shanteri is taken out on a procession at 10.00 a.m. in the Temple Prakar. The Sukhasan returns in the Temple and after Aarti to all Deities, the Celebration of Shigmo comes to an end with Gulalotsav in the Sabhamantap.
It is worth mentioning that this ‘SHIGMOTSAVA’ in the month of Falguna is the only major festival of Shree Shanteri Devi and thus is significantly celebrated with all the enthusiasm by the Mahajans, Kullavis, local residents along with the Adpaikars.
From Falgun Purnima to Vadya Shashthi, Shigmotsav is celebrated. Besides these there are different sevas, Devakrityas every month performed by Kullavis and devotees.
With the exception of “Chaturmasa days” there is a shibhikotsav of Shree Laxmi Narayan on every Dashami at 8.30 pm with the exception of Navaratra, there is a palakhi of Shree Ramnath on every Monday and on every panchami, the palakhi of Shree Shanteri and on every amavasya there is a palakhi of Shree Kamaksha.
Palakhi is taken around the temple and during the procession there are eight halts at particular fixed places. At all these halts there is a recitation of Ashtak and playing of Shahanai. After the completion of the round when the palakhi enters the sabhamandap, Aartis are shown to the idols and a “coconut ovalani” is made and the palakhi enters the temple on the Chowk. Palakhi is kept there for a few minutes for namaskaras by the devotees to the deities. After that the Archak takes the idols inside the Garbhakud keeping some “flower prasad” for the palakhi bearers(Khambi). When the idol is placed in the original position in Garbhakud, the devotees who had been standing on the chowk till then, will now take their seats and the Aarti begins.