Temple to distribute 2 lakh ladoos on New Year’s Day

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: Nadoja Prof Bhashyam Swami ji , founder of the Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple in Vijayanagar, announced on Saturday that the temple is all set to distribute two lakh ladoos to devotees as part of New Year celebrations on 1 January 2025. Speaking at a press conference, Swamiji stated that the temple has upheld this tradition since 1994, distributing ladoos to all visitors regardless of caste or religion. The distribution will begin at 4 am and continue until midnight on New Year’s Day.

A team of 60 expert cooks, who began preparations on 20 December, is working to meet the deadline of 31 December. The offering includes 15,000 ladoos weighing 2,000 grams each and two lakh ladoos weighing 150 grams each. To prepare the ladoos, the following ingredients are being used: 100 quintals of besan flour, 200 quintals of sugar, 10,000 litres of edible oil, 500 kg each of cashews, raisins, and almonds, 1,000 kg of diamond sugar, 2,000 kg of bura sugar, 50 kg each of pista, nutmeg, and edible camphor, among others. Swamiji revealed that the practice was inspired by Kannada matinee idol Dr Rajkumar, who suggested distributing ladoos similar to the Tirupati tradition. Initially, 1,000 ladoos were prepared, and the quantity gradually increased to the current figure of two lakh. Special New Year rituals will commence at 4 am, featuring elaborate decorations and illuminations of the deities, Yoganarasimha Swamy and others.

A Sahasranamarchane with tamale leaves and Swarna Pushpa specially brought from Srirangam and Madurai will adorn the idols. Additionally, a ceremonial offering of 20 quintals of ‘puliyogare’ will be made to the Utsava Murtis—Sri Malayappan Swamy, Padmavathi, and Mahalakshmi. Dr Rajkumar's daughter Lakshmi and her husband Govindaraju, present at the press conference, fondly recalled the late actor's connection with the temple. Administrative Officer N Srinivasan added that special pujas would be performed for universal peace, progress, and the welfare of all families on New Year’s Day.