Shilpa to wed within a year?

Shilpa Shetty has sought divine blessing from all the problems dogging her and family, and her future marriage prospects.

The actress, whose infamous kiss with Hollywood actor Richard Gere created a furore, went to her native village Mudalaadi, a small hamlet in Karnataka, to partake in an ancient ritual, Kola, done by devotees of Annappa Panjurli, believed to be a messenger of God.

Shilpa says she is deeply religious and would like to follow the rituals as per the scriptures. "It is our culture and a family tradition," she adds.         . 

She was accompanied by sister Shamita Shetty and mother Sunanda Shetty.

The deity, who brought the lingam to the Dharmasthala Manjunatha temple -- one of the most revered and biggest temples in Karnataka -- is believed to answer most of the prayers of the devotees. 

Dressed in a yellow churidar, the actress sat silently through the ritual through the night while her mother asked about her daughter's marriage prospects.

She was assured that Shilpa would not have any problems in that respect and that marriage would take place within one year. She was also assured that the current situation with Gere would be sorted out.

During her three-day stay at the village, which created a flutter in the sleepy village, the actress took part in the poojas and also caught up with her relatives, conversing with them in native Tulu.

Photograph: Getty Images