Faith, prestige and a Rs 40,000 Papaya: Karnataka’s unusual temple auction

Faith, prestige and a Rs 40,000 Papaya: Karnataka’s unusual temple auction

Mangalore Today News Network/ News 18

Karwar, Nov 6, 2025: In Uttara Kannada district’s Karwar taluk, there are many temples — but one temple has now become the talk of the town because of a unique auction! Yes, it’s the Mahadeva Temple located in Kanasagiri of Sadashivgad.

Lord Shiva worshipped in idol form

This temple has a history spanning centuries. Unlike most Shiva temples where the Lord is worshipped in the form of a linga, here He is worshipped in idol form. Devotees from about ten surrounding villages regularly visit this shrine. A recent incident that took place on Tuesday has caught everyone’s attention.

Annual fruit auction tradition

Every year, on the day after Tulasi Habba (Karthika Soma Pradosha), a grand Deepotsava and fair are held at the temple. After the festival, devotees bring the fruits they have grown, and these are auctioned before the deity at night.

One papaya sold for ₹40,000!

During this year’s auction, a devotee named Uday Rane bought a single papaya for ₹40,000. The fruit, which gleamed like gold, didn’t even weigh a full kilogram! The high price paid for this papaya has left everyone surprised. Other items too fetched astonishing prices.

Coconuts for ₹1,000 and bananas for ₹800 a dozen!

A single coconut was sold for ₹1,000, while a dozen bananas went for ₹800. The event reflected not only devotion but also prestige among the devotees. In total, the auction of a single plate of fruits brought in around ₹1.5 lakh in revenue for the temple — truly, an act blessed by Lord Shiva himself.

Courtesy: News 18