The temple town of Kukke Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada witnessed an outpouring of devotion on Wednesday as thousands of pilgrims gathered to mark Shashti, the most important day of the three-day Champa Shashti Mahotsava. From the early hours, devotees filled the streets and temple premises with chants, lamps, and offerings, seeking the blessings of Lord Subrahmanya, revered as the serpent deity.
The highlight of the day was the rare Edemadesnana ritual, performed only on Chouthi, Panchami, and Shashti. The practice, an evolved form of the older Madesnana ritual, involves devotees rolling over plantain leaves that had earlier held Naivedya consumed by the temple cows. The act symbolizes surrender of ego and deep devotion, believed by many to bring relief from skin ailments and long-standing health concerns.
On Shashti, participation saw a significant rise as families lined up voluntarily without tokens or formal registration. After performing the ritual, devotees took a purifying dip in the Darpanatheertha pond before offering prayers at the sanctum.
Despite evolving over time, the ritual continues to thrive on faith and testimony. For countless devotees, Shashti at Kukke Subrahmanya remains a tradition of healing, gratitude, and spiritual connection.
