Chitradurga: In the absence of the incumbent Seer, the rape-tainted Shivamurthy Murugha Sharana, Murugha Matha devotees performed the annual ritual of Shoonya Peetarohana by placing a picture of Muruga Shantaveera Swami on the wooden chair.
According to the tradition set by Shivamurthy Murugha Sharana, the Seer would ascend the Shoonya Peeta at the Sharana Samskruti Utsava while wearing a rudraksha crown. The Matha was decorated with flowers on Thursday October 6.
Mahanta Rudreshwara Swami, the Matha’s In-Charge, oversaw the rituals while the devotees praised the Mathas kathru in chants. The peetadhipatis of the matha once ascended the golden throne while wearing golden crown and paduke (footwear). Shivamurthy Murugha Sharana put an end to the custom and replaced a golden crown with one that was of rudraksha.
The Police prevented S. K. Basavarajan, a Former Administrative officials, and his wife Soubhagya from entering the matha premises earlier in the day.