Kunajrugiri: Sona Shukrara Fair in the presence of Kunjaramma

By Prakash Katpadi
Bellevision Media Network

Kunjarugiri, 21 August 2011: In Kunjarugiri Shri Durgadevi Temple, which is more than 100 feet above the sea level, the grand festivities with special fair will be celebrated on every Sona Shukrara (Friday) of the Simha (Leo) month. From hundreds of years, in the presence of historically popular Kunjaru Shri Durge, special religious vows and poojas are being conducted regularly on every Friday of Simha month.

 

Thousands of devotees from the coastal areas visit the Shrikshethra on Fridays of this month and become worthy to the grace of Shri Durge. As per the traditions from hundreds of years, all the devotees climb the 257 steps of Kunjarygiri and by seeing Shri Durge in this month they full fill their mission. To facilitate the devotees coming from outer stations, the management trust arranges the special decoration of the temple and conducts all other arrangements. On the second and third Friday of the Simha month the devotees come in huge numbers and offer Poojas and religious vows on the whole days.

 

 

Kunjaru is a hamlet in Kurkal grama, situated approx.11kms to the south-east of Udupi. This small village is reputed for its sanctity owing to the celebrated Durga Temple on a highly hillock popularly known by the names; Kunjarugiri, Durgabetta and Vimanagiri. This potent Durga Saannidhya, which was installed by none other than Lord Parashurama (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Durga is one among the manifestations of Lakshmidevi. As Durga she controls the tamo guna of the Prakriti (Primordial Matter and Nature).

 

 

The magnificent idol of Shree Durga is a Chaturbhuja (four-armed) image. It stands holding the Shanka (conch) and Chakra (discus) in the upper hands and Dhanus (bow) and Trishula (trident) are being held in the lower hands. Shanka and Chakra symbolizes the protection and the fulfilment of the wishes of the good (sishta rakshana ), while Dhanus and Trishula symbolizes the destruction of the evil (dushta samhara ). The fallen Mahishasura stamped under the feet signifies the suppression and destruction of the evil . The horns on the head of the fallen demon Mahishasura represents the egotism in us!

 

There is belief among the devotees that, if the Devi is visited on the Fridays of the Simha month, it brings prosperity. Especially in Simha month which comes after the tough Ashada month, the devotees begin the various festivities and they will fulfil the vows they had undertaken during the difficult days in these festive days. In Kunjaru the religious vows are received only during the Sona Shukrara.

 

 

The elders have made the tradition of visiting the temple in Sona month after the Ashada month passes, so that at least for the sake of religious vows people will visit the temple, this has been in practice ever since. For easy delivery of pregnant women, cure of asthma, cure of corn in the foot, to stop small children eating mud and other such vows will be fulfilled by readily made small shapes of corn or cradles in gold or silver will be purchased and offered to Shridevi. For the vow made, to stop the small children eating mud, special jaggery will be offered to Shridevi.

 

In this Sona Shukrara where thousands of Tulu communities visit, also the College students arrive for their tour during Sona Shukrara itself and enjoy the excitement. Even the fishermen also come and offer special vows and poojas and appeal Shridevi for the prosperity in their fishing work. With the activities of the festive fair on the days of Sona Shukrara from morning until evening the Durga hill will get specially brightens up.

 

 

During the fair in Kunjarugiri, groups of dancing peacocks and monkeys hanging on trees, specially welcome the devotees who visit there. Children arrive there on Fridays without fail to tease the monkeys and have fun. Elders and children who visit there to be part of this festive celebrations, also feed fruits and sweets to these monkeys and peacocks.

 

The devotees also climb the Parashurama hill which is behind the Kunjarugiri temple. Pajaka Kshethra of Madhvacharya, tunnel of Parashurama and many other sacred places can also be visited. In the early days there were tigers in this thick forest, but now it is sheltering only monkeys, peacocks and foxes, but still it has created an calm atmosphere. With the local and outside donors Kunjarugiri Shri Durgadevi Temple and Shri Parashurama Temple is in the path of overall progress and development.