Ananthapadmanabha Temple at Kudupu in Karnataka to stay shut on Naga Panchami

The authorities at the Ananthapadmanabha Temple at Kudupu, located on the borders of Mangalore in Karnataka, have banned entry to devotees on the day of Naga Panchami due to the fear of Coronavirus infection. The festival is set to start on July 25.

The Ananthapadmanabha Temple is highly popular in Dakshina Kannada. It has been established to honour nagas (serpent deities). It is here that the festival of Naga Panchami is celebrated on a big scale during the moon’s waxing phase in the month of Shravana.
The temple committee told the press that gathering at the temple has been prohibited to avoid any instance of Coronavirus transmission. They also added that devotees should cooperate with the committee by skipping their visit to the temple.

According to the reports, the temple won’t allow any service, prasadam and other sacred rites involving the devotees on Naga Panchami. No offerings of tender coconuts, milk and fruits will be accepted from the devotees. Also, no mass feeding would be organised on the fest this year.
Legend has it that Ananthapadmanabha Temple was made by Raja Shurasena at the command of Lord Vishnu. Another legend says that a holy man had also done extreme penance to worship Lord Subramanya and Lord Vishnu at this very site.