Mangalore : Over 1000 widows offered special pooja in the presence of four women priests on the auspicious occasion of Diwali at Shree Gokarnanatha Temple at Kudroli on October 23, Thursday.

The women under the initiative of former union minister B. Janardhana Poojary, offered pooja to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Later they pulled the silver chariot comprising of deity around the Temple premises.

After the rituals, the temple authorities distributed a saree, blouse piece, kum kum, flowers and a one rupee coin as prasadam on behalf of the temple for all the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Janardhana Poojary said that the temple is following the footstep of social reformer Brahmashree Narayana Guru.

The idea of organizing such events is to ensure that no widows should remain neglected in their house and society, he added.

Temple Managing Committee President HS Sairam, Mayor Mahabala Maarla, MLA JR Lobo, Harikrishna Bantwal, Kallige Taranath Shetty and others were present.

The devotees were offered with Anna Santharpane prasadam held as part of the ceremony.