News : Anand Kumar Barkur, Pics : Vishwas, Barkur
Barkur, March 5, 2026 – The sacred Chatur Pavitra Nagamandalotsava (Four Sacred Serpent Mandala Festival) began today at the Mula Naga Devara Temple in Barkur, with Vedamurti Sri Hrishikesha Bayari of Vedasri Barkur initiating the religious ceremonies.
The festival's preliminary rituals commenced today with Ashlesha Bali at the Nagabana (serpent grove), followed by Rakshogna Homa, Vastu Puja, and Bali at the Nagamandala pavilion.
Main Ceremonies on March 6
Tomorrow (Friday, March 6, 2026), an elaborate schedule of Vedic rituals will be performed starting at 7:00 AM, including Ganapati Prarthana, Punyahavachana, Devanandi, Ritvigvarana, Ganapati Yaga, Durga Homa, Navagraha Homa, Pavamana Homa, Ayuta Sankhyatila Homa, Kushmanda Homa, Sarpa Sukta Homa, Skanda Sukta Homa, Nagayakshi Homa, Shrisukta Homa, Purusha Sukta Homa, Brahma Kalasha Sthapana, Adhivasa Homa, Chaturveda Parayana, Vatu-Brahmana and Suvasani Aradhana, Dampati Puja, Acharya Puja, Brahma Kalashabhisheka, and Mahaprasanna Puja, concluding with Tirtha Prasada distribution.
At 11:30 AM, Naga Sandarshana (serpent deity darshan) and Pallapuje will be conducted, followed by Maha Annasantarpane (grand communal feast) at noon.
Evening Procession and Rituals
At 5:00 PM, the Halittu Seva (milk offering ceremony) will be performed at the ancient Nagabana near Hosala Sri Mahalakshmi Temple. The festival deity will then be brought to the main Nagamandala sanctum in a grand procession accompanied by Vedic chants and traditional music.
From 7:00 PM, the main Nagamandalotsava rituals will be performed at the Naga Devara sanctum, including Halittu Seva, Mandala Puja, and Prasada distribution with Mantrakshate.
Cultural Program on March 7
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM, a Yakshagana performance of "Sudarshana Vijaya" will be presented by renowned artists from Tenku Badagina troupe, organized by Pradeep V Samagara.
The organizing committee, led by B. Hrishikesha Bayari and family of Vedasri Barkur, has extended an invitation to devotees to participate in the festivities and receive the divine blessings.
