MYSURU: Thousands of devotees gathered atop Chamundi Hill on October 24 to witness the annual Sri Chamundeshwari Rathotsava, held as part of the post-Dasara religious celebrations organised by the erstwhile Mysore royal family.
Despite chilly weather and rain, devotees arrived at the hill temple to participate in the traditional car festival dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru.
The Utsava Murti, or processional idol of the Goddess, was brought out of the temple during the auspicious time fixed by the temple priests and placed on a wooden chariot following traditional puja rituals.
The Rathotsava was inaugurated by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the titular head of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, who pulled the chariot between 7.55 am and 8.15 am. The ceremony was conducted under the guidance of temple chief priest Dr N. Shashishekar Dixit.
Traditional rituals mark the Rathotsava
The Rathotsava is an annual religious observance held after the conclusion of Mysuru Dasara. The festival brings devotees to Chamundi Hill to offer prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari and seek her blessings.
Following the puja rituals, the processional idol was placed on the decorated chariot, which was then taken around the temple amid the presence of a large gathering of devotees.
Pirangi Dal personnel fired shots using mini cannons as a mark of respect to the Goddess, adding to the traditional ceremonial proceedings.
Members of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, including Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, Yaduveer Wadiyar, Trishikha Kumari Wadiyar and their elder son Aadyaveer Narasimharaja Wadiyar, watched the proceedings from Bettada Aramane, the palace being constructed atop the hill.
The chariot was briefly stopped in front of Bettada Aramane, where mangalarthi was performed to the deity.
Devotees gather despite rain
The turnout reflected the religious significance of the annual festival for devotees from Mysuru and other parts of Karnataka. Many gathered around the temple to witness the chariot procession and participate in the celebrations.
The Rathotsava is among the important post-Vijayadashami observances associated with Chamundi Hill. It follows the major Dasara festivities and continues the religious traditions connected with Goddess Chamundeshwari.
The event also draws attention to the cultural and spiritual importance of Chamundi Hill, which remains one of Mysuru’s most prominent religious landmarks.
Theppotsava scheduled for October 26
The celebrations will continue with the Theppotsava, or coracle festival, scheduled to be held at Devi Kere atop Chamundi Hill on October 26.
The ritual involves placing the deity on a float as part of the traditional religious observance. Further ceremonies are scheduled for October 27 and 28, including Shayanotsava, Mahabhisheka at Simhavahana Mantapa and Mudiutsava.
These observances will mark the conclusion of the post-Dasara religious celebrations organised by the erstwhile Mysore royal family.
The annual Rathotsava and the associated ceremonies remain an important part of Mysuru’s religious traditions, bringing devotees together to participate in rituals that have continued across generations.