Massive Footfall at Coastal Karnataka Temples Due to Long Weekend Holidays; Lodges Full and Roads Congested

Share

Share

Share

Share

Email

Share

Mangaluru : A series of consecutive holidays has triggered a massive influx of devotees across major pilgrimage centers in coastal Karnataka. Renowned shrines, including Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, Surya Sri Sadashiva Rudra Temple, Southadka Sri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kukke Subramanya, Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, and Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, witnessed an unprecedented rush. Pilgrims from various parts of the state traveled to these holy destinations to seek blessings and offer special prayers.

The temple dining halls (Anna Chattras) experienced a heavy rush as thousands gathered to partake in the sacred meals. At Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala alone, over 75,000 devotees visited the shrine and accepted the Anna Prasada over the past two days. This massive crowd left local accommodations completely booked, with lodges in Ujire, Kanyadi, and Dharmasthala running at full capacity. Additionally, state and national highways across the taluk saw a significant surge in vehicular movement, and KSRTC buses arriving from neighboring districts operated at peak capacity.

Kukke Subramanya also recorded an overwhelming turnout, with more than 40,000 pilgrims arriving to offer prayers. The sudden surge completely exhausted the accommodation options, as all temple-managed guest houses and private hotels were fully occupied. Left with no available rooms, several devotees had to seek shelter and rest in the temple’s Car Street halls and choultries overnight.

The heavy influx of visitors also led to severe traffic and parking challenges in the temple town. The designated parking zones surrounding the main shrine and near the Adi Subramanya Temple were packed to their limits. As a result, drivers were forced to park their vehicles along the roadsides, leading to minor traffic bottlenecks throughout the area.