SUBRAMANYA UTSAV, RAMANATHAPURA

Ramanathapura is situated in Arakalgud taluk of Hassan district of Karnataka. Located on the left bank of the Kaveri river, the town is an important pilgrimage centre of the state. The place has been considered sacred since ancient times because of the many temples located here. It is also referred to as, “Dakshina Kashi.” Some of the important temples of Ramanathapura are Prasanna Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Temple, Sri Rameshwara Temple, Sri Agashteswara Temple, and Sri Pattabhirama Temple. The Prasanna Sri Subrahmanyaswamy temple is considered as sacred as the Kukke Subrahmanya temple. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who participate in various rituals and poojas. These include the rituals like Sarpa Samskara, and Ashlesha Bali among others. The Champa Shashti Car Festival or Rathotsava is an annual event which is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in the Prasanna Sri Subrahmanyaswamy temple of Ramanathapura. The festival is celebrated during the month of December. It is attended by thousands of devotees who participate with lots of devotion and enthusiasm.