Mangaluru : Thousands of devotees gathered at the annual Car Festival, (Kodial Teru) at Sri Venkatramana Temple, Car Street here on Wednesday, January 24.

The idol of Lord Veera Venkatesha was brought in a golden palanquin from the Temple and placed in a decorated chariot, amidst the chanting of ‘Srimad Ramaramana Govinda, Govinda’ that reverberated at the Temple Square.

kodial teru Seer Sri Samyameendrateertha Swamiji guided the religious procedures. Nitya Puja was performed in the morning which was followed by ceremonial ablution or Abhisheka of the deities. Rituals such as Gangabhisheka, Panchamrita and Shatakalasbhisheka were also performed.

Poornahuti was performed at the Yajna Mantapa. The idol of Lord Veera Venkatesha was installed in the silver chariot along with idols of godesses Sridevi and Bhudevi. The chariot was then pulled through Car Street by the faithful.

Night 11.30pm Rathotsava and late night 3pm Vasatha puja and parasad distrubtion will be held.