MANGALORE: Even as the 3,000-year-old Mangaladevi temple dons the glitter of yet another festive season, its committed devotees seek to underline the syncretism of this ancient temple. Once patronised by the kings of the Alupa dynasty (A.D. 650-1399), it was taken over by the Government after Independence and is run by a trust. The city of Mangalore, once known as Mangalapuram, owes its name to the Mangaladevi temple.
Speaking to The Hindu over the clamour of the ongoing Navaratri celebrations, which is attracting over 40,000 devotees a day, temple's managing trustee Ramanath Hegde says: “Even in times of the worst sectarian conflict in the region, Muslim and Christian devotees would visit the shrine.”
Mr. Hegde says Mangaladevi considered a deity of fertility. There was a belief that girls of marriageable age would find a suitable husband if they pray here. “Girls wearing burkha can often be seen visiting the temple with their parents and family,” Mr. Hegde says.
Abdul Karim (name changed) is married to a Hindu. “Nobody would solemnise our marriage and we were both unwilling to go in for a civil wedding,” he says with his six-year-old daughter in tow. Although he follows Islamic traditions, Mangaladevi has a special place in his heart and he never misses the major festivals here.
Pointing out that the Swayamvara Mantap of the temple is famous, Mr. Hegde says, “We have solemnised several marriages between Indians and foreigners. The only thing we insist on is that the wedding must be conducted as per Hindu customs.” The temple has the distinction of never having prevented the entry of lower castes.
No comments:
Post a Comment