‘Kudroli Theerthatane’ to be held on February 21 in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

‘Walk Towards Narayana Guru’ That Changed the Course of Society

Mangaluru, Feb 13, 2026: To commemorate the consecration of the Shiva Linga by Brahmashri Narayana Guru, the Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra has organised the ‘Kudroli Theerthatane’ (holy walk) on February 21.

Addressing a press meet, Kshetra president Jayaraj Somasundar said the Theerthatane will begin at 9 am from Mangaluru Central Railway Station and reach the Kudroli Kshetra around 11 am after a walk of about 7 km through the city.

The procession will begin with a Guru prayer and conclude at the Kshetra with Bilva patra archana and blessings from the Swamijis.

Participants will walk wearing yellow attire, symbolising the Guru’s wisdom, chanting the mantra ‘Om Sri Narayana Paramaguruve Namah’. The organisers said the Theerthatane is not merely a foot march but a path of inner purification and a resolve for social awareness. This is the first time the Theerthatane is being organised, and from next year it will be linked with the annual jatra celebrations. Treasurer Padmaraj said at least 10,000 followers of the Guru are expected to take part this year.

In keeping with the ideals of Brahmashri Narayana Guru, who guided the oppressed communities, the Kshetra allows entry and prayer to all without discrimination of caste or religion. Programmes such as Chandika Homa performed by widows to carry forward the Guru’s reformist vision are also being held, he added.

Kshetra office-bearers and members including Urmila Ramesh Kumar, Devendra Poojary, Krithin Dheeraj Amin, Kishore Kumar, Dr B G Suvarna, Shailendra Suvarna, Chandan Das, Gouravi Rajashekar and Jayanand were present.

It was recalled that on February 21, 1912, Brahmashri Narayana Guru heralded a social revolution at the Kudroli Kshetra by consecrating the Shiva Linga, opening the doors of the temple to communities long denied dignity. The Theerthatane, titled ‘Namma Nadige – Sri Guruvinedege’, symbolises the Guru’s visit to the Kshetra via the railway station. To avoid inconvenience to the public, about 500 followers will gather at the railway station and walk to Nehru Maidan, from where the procession will continue along with devotees arriving from other areas, passing through Clock Tower, Navabharat Circle, PVS and Ladyhill before reaching the Kshetra, Padmaraj said.