It’s Aati Amavasya today; Dakshina Kannadigas consume Paleda Kashaya, Methe Ganji

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 2, 2016 : Today is Aati Amavaysa, an auspicious day in Hindu calendar. The first moon occurrence of August month is marked as Aati Amavasya. It is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was taken over by Parvathi’s devotion towards him and accepted her as his wife.

The day is very special for people of Tulunad who consume Paleda Kashaya and Methe Ganji. The Paleda Kashaya or concoction is prepared from the bark of  Paale tree which is also known as Devil’s  Tree in English while Methe Ganji is a rice porridge prepared using fenugreek seeds.

Hundreds of devotees are thronging the  Narahari Shree Sadashiva Temple and Mahatobar Shree Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinje, two important pilgrim shrines of  Bantwal taluk on this holy day. They  offer prayers to the Lord and have a sense of fulfilment after taking  holy dips (Theertha Snana) in the Temple ponds.

 Devotees  had begun arriving at the two shrines as early as 4 am and  are offering their prayers to the Lord. They also take a holy dip  in the Gada Theertha, Ungushta Theertha and Jaanu Theertha of Shree Kshetra Karinja. As is the  custom several newlywed couples too visit the shrine and pray  to the Lord on Aati Amavasya Day.

 At Narahari Shree Sadashiva Kshetra near Kalladka too hundreds of devotees are offering prayers after taking a holy dip in the Theertha lakes namely Shankha, Chakra, Gada and  Padma.Another distinct tradition here is to offer  ropes to the Lord with the belief that it can cure asthma.