KODI HABBA,SRI MAHTOBHARA KOTILINGESHWARA TEMPLE, KOTESHWAR

Koteshwara is an important town in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district. There is a famous temple called Kotilingeshwara here, which has mythological connections. Kodi festival, held every year at this temple is one of the most eagerly awaited fairs of the coastal region. This is a unique festival in coastal Karnataka. Newly married couples are the focus of attention at this festival. The Bamboo Chariot which is used during the festival is an attraction of the festival. Kodi festival is witness to a special celebration and faith that is not found anywhere else. Formerly known as Dwajapura, Kotilingeshwar Temple of Koteswar is an ancient temple. The Koti Theertha water body here is the biggest Pushkarani of Karnataka. The legend associated with the place is as under. According to the Puranas, Maharaja Vasu Chakraborty of Basrur was married and did not have children for many years. Desiring children, the king vows to build a temple in Koteshwar if he begot children. In the course of time, the king is blessed with progeny. In keeping with his vow, he goes on to build the temple, however as the chariot or Brahma Ratha for the temple was not readied in time, the king gets a chariot made of bamboo and sugarcane bagasse. The Kodi Habba is held to commemorate this incident from mythology. This festival takes place during the period known as Kodi Month in the local language of Kundapur. Usually, this fair is held in the last week of November or the beginning of December. Most of the people who come to this festival do not return home without taking sugarcane. The festival is held in a grand manner and takes place during the day and night. Many cultural programmes are also held. The town of Koteshwar is decorated with lights and thousands of people come every day. Exhibitions of juggling and acrobatics are also an interesting part of the Kodi festival.