Mangalore: Mangala Devi deity gets golden mask

The Hindu

Mangalore, 10 October 2010: A golden mask and silver coated doors were offered for the presiding deity of the Mangala Devi temple here on Friday, the first day of the Navaratri festival. Deputy Commissioner V. Ponnuraj did the honours. Temple authorities had ordered the creation of a mask of gold for the idol of Goddess Mangala, and the silver doors for the entrance of the temple.

 

Temple authorities received donations from devotees in both gold as well as currency for the mask, which weighs 2.5 kg, and cost Rs. 30 lakh to make, according to a press release. The devotees of the temple contributed for the golden mask. Nearly 40 kg of silver was used to make the doors, which cost about Rs. 30 lakh.

 

 

Hundreds of devotees thronged the temple on Friday morning as it was the first day of the festival, and witnessed the offering of the mask and silver doors to the idol. The mask was taken around the temple thrice before being offered to the deity.