Chamundeshwari Vardhanthi held with all rituals atop Hill

Mysuru, NT Bureau: The Chamundeshwari Vardhanti organised by Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority atop Chamundi Hill was held with all rituals and pujas on Saturday. Various pujas and rituals began at 5:30 am as part of the Vardhanti.

Mahamangalarathi was held at 9:30 am. The temple precincts and surroundings were decorated with special flowers on the occasion. A large number of devotees took part in the celebrations from early morning to witness the event held after the third Ashaada Friday every year.

Special rituals and prayers were conducted by the priests before the idol was hoisted onto the palanquin as part of the celebration. The specially decorated idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was placed in the golden palanquin (Chinnada Pallakki).

The Vardhanti Utsav procession commenced formally with Mysuru Royal Family members Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Yaduveer Krishnadutta Chamaraja Wadiyar pulling the golden palanquin. The pallakki was taken around the temple complex.

The Utsav Murthy, or idol of the goddess, was then placed at Rudrakshi Mantapa to facilitate devotees' darshan. The Vardhanti culminated with the performance of Utsava Phalapuja, followed by Durbar Utsava and Mantapotsava.

KSRTC operated free special services as the entry of private vehicles was banned to contain the vehicle rush, and security had been beefed up by the police to thwart any untoward incidents.

Speaking on the occasion, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said she offered a saree to both the Utsava Murthy and the Moola Murthy, as she vowed this year to offer during these Vardhanti celebrations. She prayed to the Goddess for rains and the welfare of the people.

She said she would also offer puja to KRS as the dam has filled now after the state government completes its traditional bagina offering.

MP Yaduveer KC Wadiyar said that he is continuing the traditional puja during Vardhanti Utsav as part of the tradition and customs of the royal family, practised for several years, to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the city and royal family.