Mysuru: Thousands of devotees have started flocking to Chamundi Hills on account of first aashada Friday, offering prayers to the city goddess to protect them during the inauspicious period.
Challending star Darshan’s visit to Chamundeshwari hill
The deity has been decorated with green grapes as days rituals began in the morning at 3 AM with Rubrabhishekha, Panchabhishekha, Laxmi Alanakara and Sahsranama. Public were allowed at 5.30 and long queues were seen for Darshan. The Pujas on the first day will be performed by the district administration which will be followed by a puja in the name of the King and then the public are allowed to perform pujas after 5.30 AM.
According to the Hindu calendar, the period of Aashada is considered as inauspicious where no major events like weddings are held. Most believe that the city goddess will protect them from all impediments during the period. According to hill temple priest Shashidahr Dikshith, if one prays during this period the devotees will be strengthened, empowered and their wishes will come true.
Special buses are plying from the city and the darshan timing has been extended till 10.30pm today. Traditionally it is the period when the sun changes the journey across the sky where nights are longer than days.
For the first time special dry fruit (Kadam dry foods) items will be distributed to 25000 devotees along with 10,000 sweet laddus. Adequate security arrangements are in place with 2 groups, each consisting of 6 Inspectors, 12 Sub Inspectors, 200 constables and 25 lady staff. In addition, 100 home guards, four city armed reserve (CAR) and two Karnataka state reserve police (KSRP) battalions will oversee security during the day according to senior police officials in the city.
Darshan Visits Chamundi hills
Kannada cine star Darshan Tugudeepa was among the prominent people who visited the temple. He is a strong devotee of goddess Chamundeshwari and pays visit to the temple every year. He was accompanied by Sunil Bose, son of PWD minister HC Mahadevappa. Both drove in the same car and many fans, supporters were seen struggling to have a glimpse of their favorite star.
Special passes have been provided to Chamundi hill residents, VIP’s and vehicle parking arrangements have been made at Lalith Mahal palace helipad ground. City buses will take devotees from that point to the temple and drop them back after the darshan and the services are free of cost.
