The Surya Temple, Ujire Where Devotees Offer Clay Dolls To God After Wish Fulfilment

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We see that in most of the temples, certain rituals and practices are observed. The devotee offerings too vary from temple to temple. For example, in Tirupati, people offer their hairs as an offering to Lord.

In Mallur they tie little cradles around the tree to appease Lord Krishna after their prayers for begetting progeny have been fulfilled.

It is a way of expressing gratitude that is conveyed in so many forms. In Devi temples, they offer sarees, and valuables. In some Devi temples they offer Bagina containing sarees, and other auspicious items like bangles, Kumkum etc.

The Ujire Temple: The Temple of Ujire is way different from all these temples. Here the devotees or bhaktadis offer clay dolls as offering in a park that is specially built for the same.

Devotees, as their desires are fulfilled, buy the clay dolls at the temple and offer them with due care and devotion.. This temple is called Surya Sadashiva temple because it is located in a village called Surya.

This temple follows Madhwa traditions of the south kanara belt and it is an important temple in Mangalore. Lord Shiva is known by the name of Rudra here.

Types Of Clay Dolls Offered: For example, if the devotee had a bad leg ache or was about to be amputated in the leg but survived due to Gods grace, will offer a clay leg portion to God along with the offering of rice coconut and five rupees.

In case you were about to construct a house, and that got fulfilled due to Ujire Lords grace, a clay house should be offered along with puja ingredients.

If you had prayed for a child and if a healthy child was born to you, you have to offer a clay cradle. These dolls are made of a special type of soil.

Since people come here from far off places, they find it difficult to arrange for a clay doll. Hence the temple authorities have arranged to have clay dolls made at the temple premises by the local potters.

Harake Bana: As per the local legends, a disciple of Bhrigu Maharshi penanced in this area where Lord Shiva along with Parvati appeared before him in the form of a Linga and made it their abode.

Now coming back to the rituals, the cost, as per the size of the doll ranges from 50 Rs to 200 Rs. They have a separate park called Harake Bana to make your vows.

This Bana is located about 100 m to the north from the temple. Priests place all the clay dolls in this Bana.
There is a rule that says that the dolls before being offered to the Bana, should be offered rice before the afternoon puja concludes.

Kerekatte Mahotsava: There is a kere or pond that belongs to the temple and a kerekatte mahotsava or a pond festival is held annually on the mahotsava day. Pujas and havans are performed to this lake which is known to have mystical powers to cure the skin problems.