MANGALORE, INDIA, February 21, 2011: The countdown for the formal dedication of silver ratha (chariot) to Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra at Kudroli here on March 2 is underway. The ratha weighing 9,920 lbs and gifted to the Sri Kshetra by the Ramesh Kumar family was brought to the Kshetra with pomp and splendor on February 18. Rituals stretching for five days prior to the formal dedication will get underway on February 25.
Harikrishna Bantwal, spokesperson of the Kshetra, said the ratha measures 18.5 feet tall. The craftsmen who have manufactured this ratha have used 496 lbs of silver. It will be dedicated on March 2 coinciding with the period when the annual festival of the temple and maha Shivarathri is observed.
The presiding Deity will be carried on the silver ratha the same day of its dedication and this will be followed by ratha pooja, ratharohana, ratha bali rituals and a mangalarathi performed, he said. The idea of donating the ratha is as per the wishes of the Ramesh Kumar family, Harikrishna said, adding the temple management will become the custodian of this offering made by the family in fulfillment of their wishes.