India is a land of temples. There are many unique temples here. Some temples have unique rituals. Here is a unique ritual followed by devotees in a Karnataka temple.

Agni Keli or Thoothedhara is also known as the Fire Fight. It takes place in April each year at the grand festival held at the temple. 

Agni Keli is a unique ritual that is followed in the Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple in Mangalore, a coastal city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Durgaparameshwari Temple is located on an islet in the middle of the river Nandini. It is one of the oldest temples in Kateel. The festival commences on the night before Mesha Sankramana Day. It continues for eight days. Devotees observe fasting during the festival. They refrain from the consumption of alcohol and also from meat.

It is an age-old tradition that is observed during the month of April each year and involves a mock battle between two groups of devotees using burning palm fronds as weapons. The ritual is said to symbolize the victory of good over evil and is an important part of the temple's cultural heritage.

History and Significance of Agni Keli

The exact origins of Agni Keli are not known, but it is believed to have been a part of the temple's traditions for over 600 years. According to legend, the ritual was started by a group of warriors who were seeking the blessings of the goddess Durga before going to battle. They performed a mock battle using burning palm fronds to prove their courage and strength, and the goddess was pleased with their devotion.

Over time, the ritual became a part of the temple's annual festivities and is now an important cultural event in Mangalore. It is believed to symbolize the triumph of good over evil, and is seen as a way to purify the mind and body of the participants.

The Ritual

As part of the Agni Keli ritual, male devotees and the temple heads take a holy bath in the ghats before sunrise. They wear saffron color dhotis and are bear-chested.

Agni Keli is performed on the day of Vijayadashami, which is the tenth day of the Dussehra festival. The ritual begins with the hoisting of the temple flag, followed by a procession of the temple deity around the temple premises. The participants then gather in an open field next to the temple, where the mock battle takes place.

The participants are divided into two groups, each with around 50-60 members. They wear traditional costumes and are armed with burning palm fronds, which are prepared by dipping them in kerosene and lighting them on fire. The two groups then face each other and begin the mock battle, which lasts for around 30 minutes.

During the battle, the participants attack each other with burning fronds, but they take care to avoid hitting anyone in the face or head. The heat and smoke from the fronds can be intense, and the participants have to be careful not to get burned. Personal attacks are not allowed. Referees who wear white sarongs monitor the event carefully to make sure that nobody will attack the opponents personally.

After the battle is over, the participants are purified with holy water and are offered prasad (sacred food). The ritual is considered to be a way to purify the mind and body of the participants and to seek the blessings of the goddess Durga.

Conclusion

Agni Keli is a unique and fascinating ritual that is an important part of the cultural heritage of Mangalore. It is a testament to the devotion and faith of the participants, who brave the heat and smoke of the burning palm fronds to seek the blessings of the goddess Durga. The ritual is a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and is an important symbol of the rich cultural traditions of India.

Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple

Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the town of Kateel in the Indian state of Karnataka. Dedicated to the goddess Durga, the temple is situated on the banks of the river Nandini and is surrounded by lush greenery. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day and is considered to be one of the most important temples in the region.

The history of Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple dates back to the 8th century AD. According to legend, the temple was built by the king of the region, King Suratha. The king was a devotee of the goddess Durga, and he built the temple in her honor. The temple was later renovated by the Alupa dynasty in the 10th century, and by the Hoysala dynasty in the 14th century.

Legend

There are several legends associated with the Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple. According to one legend, the goddess Durga appeared to a young boy named Rudra and told him that she wanted to be worshipped at the spot where the temple now stands. Rudra conveyed this message to the king, who built the temple.

Another legend tells the story of the demon Raktabija, who had a boon that every drop of his blood would create a new demon. The gods were unable to defeat him, so they turned to the goddess Durga for help. She defeated Raktabija by drinking his blood before it could fall to the ground, and the temple was built to commemorate this victory.

Architecture

The Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple is a beautiful example of South Indian temple architecture. The temple is built in the traditional Dravidian style, with a large tower or gopuram at the entrance. The tower is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures and is a striking sight to behold.

Inside the temple, there are several shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses. The main shrine is dedicated to the goddess Durga and features a large idol of the goddess with eight arms. The temple also has shrines dedicated to other deities such as Ganesha, Shiva, and Vishnu.

Festivals: The Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple is famous for its festivals, which attract large crowds of devotees. One of the most important festivals is the Navaratri festival, which is celebrated for nine days in the month of October. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and there are special prayers and rituals held every day.

Another important festival is the Durga Puja festival, which is celebrated in the month of September or October. This festival is dedicated to the goddess Durga and involves elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The temple is also decorated with flowers and lights during this festival, and there are cultural programs and performances held every day.

Visiting: The Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple is located about 26 kilometers from Mangalore and can be easily reached by road. The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple and are expected to dress modestly.

In conclusion, Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple is a beautiful and historic temple that is well worth a visit. Whether you are a devotee of the goddess Durga or simply interested in Indian history and culture, this temple is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.