Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Mulki offers a rich and vibrant tapestry of local traditions, social customs, Vedic rituals and communal harmony during its annual fairs and festivals with the participation of people from all castesand communities. The Mogaveeras decorate the Ratha, the Koragas dance to the beat of their Dollu or Bheri (drums), the Brahmins perform worship and rituals according to the Vedas and Agamas and not to leave are the Jains and Muslims in rendering the services to Devi. The temple also conducts sport events like Haggada Ota (a race).
Bappa Byari, a Kerala Muslim trader was instrumental in constructing the temple says a story about the deity. Due to the flooding of the Mulki River, the temple collapsed but only the five Lingas and the pedestals were unaffected. Once a boat carrying Bappa Byari and his goods hit these sacred stones and he is instructed by Shree Durga in a dream to build a temple for the Lingas. Hence the place is named after Bappa.
Keeping this in mind, the family of Bappa Byari is honoured to this day with the Prasad of Devi when the Utsavamurthi is taken out in a grand procession. The family offers flowers and fruits to the deity and this tradition symbolizes the deep bond of harmonious sentiments between the two communities.
The five Lingas are worshipped as Moola Durga, Agni Durga, Jala Durga, Vana Durga and Agra Durga on a single Panipeeta with the idol of Durga kept in front. Some of the important festivals celebrated are Karthika pooja Deepothsava, Sharannavarathri, Ugadi and on Fridays special Poojas are offered. Jatra is held in March-April for nine days and a play of fire between two groups of people is enjoyed as a religious entertainment. Bappanadu temple has five Rathas and the Brahma Ratha is massive and highly embellished in keeping with its name.
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