Rituals, procession, mark Chamundi Vardhantotsava

Chamundeshwari Vardhantotsava, which is believed to be the birthday of the goddess, was celebrated with religious grandeur atop the Chamundi Hill in Mysuru on Sunday.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, member of the erstwhile royal family, participated in the vardhantotsava, where goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol was placed in a golden palanquin and taken out in a procession.

Thousands of devotees from across the state, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh took part in the festival.

To mark the occasion, palace musicians played instrumental music to the tune of ‘Kayo Srigowri’ while devotees were seen chanting shlokas ‘aigiri nandini’ in groups.

Devotees were seen hurling fruits, flowers on the palanquin seeking fulfilment of their vows. Hundreds of people were seen climbing the steps of Chamundi Hill early in the morning. Women smeared turmeric and vermillion on the steps while some others drew rangolis all along the route.

Puja rituals began from 5.30 am and were led by chief priest Shashishekara Dixit. Rudrabhisheka, panchamrutha abhisheka and others were performed.

Durbar utsav
Durbar utsav for the procession deity was performed after 8 pm at Rudrakshimantapwhicvisitsh brought the curtains down for the festival.