Grand Marikamba Devi Jatra Begins in Sagara with Devotion and Splendour
Sagara, Shivamogga District:
The historic town of Sagara is witnessing an ocean of devotion as the famed Sri Marikamba Devi Jatra Mahotsava, held once every three years, commenced on February 3 with great religious fervour and grandeur. Recognised as the second largest jatra in Karnataka, the festival stands as a symbol of unity, celebrated by people cutting across caste, creed, and religion.
On Tuesday night, the ceremonial procession of the presiding deity, Sri Marikamba Devi, from her maternal temple to the husband’s temple marked a key highlight of the festivities. The grand procession drew thousands of devotees, transforming the entire town into a vibrant spiritual spectacle as devotees thronged the streets for a glimpse of the goddess.
While celebrations at the maternal temple are observed for a single day, the main attraction unfolds at the husband’s temple. In front of the towering gopura, a magnificent Rajasthan–Jodhpur–style mandap has been erected, evoking the grandeur of a royal durbar. The goddess will be seated on the sacred pedestal here, accepting prayers and offerings for the next eight days.
The jatra is deeply rooted in rare folk traditions and age-old religious practices. The town is lavishly decorated, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects Sagara’s rich cultural heritage. A distinctive feature of the festival is the participation of women originally from Sagara, now settled elsewhere, who return during the jatra to take part in the traditional udi tumbuva ritual and receive ceremonial hospitality at their maternal homes.
Devotees from across the taluk, neighbouring districts, other parts of Karnataka, and even from outside the state are pouring into Sagara to seek the blessings of Sri Marikamba Devi. With spiritual devotion at its peak, the Marikamba Jatra has once again reaffirmed its place as one of the most significant religious congregations in the state.
