Thousands of devotees witnessed the Rathotsava of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hill here this morning.

The Palace jewels were personally brought to the temple by the scion of the royal family Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar and his wife Pramoda Devi Wadiyar.

The Durbar Mantap was found copiously decorated with flowers. The mantap was hoisted by a crane and placed on an equally decorated chariot (Ratha). The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was placed in the mantap and adorned with the Palace jewels under the supervision of the Wadiyar couple, who later performed the customary puja rituals. The Rathotsava was launched by the Wadiyar couple by symbolically pulling the Ratha. Thousands of devotees pulled the ratha in turns invoking an ambience of solemn devotion by chanting praises on the Goddess. The ratha went round the temple with people offering fruits and flowers to the deity. The ratha would be stationed near the temple till evening for people to offer prayers.

Newly weds: The prime attraction of the event was the presence of about 1500 newly weds to offer prayers. A belief exists among people that newly-weds, by witnessing the Rathotsava and offering prayers, would shape their lives better with no hurdles.

Police Commissioner Dr. M.A. Saleem was seen personally supervising the security arrangements which was good and orderly with enough barricades.

Parking arrangements too were equally good.

MLA G.T. Devegowda, Deputy Mayor Shailendra and others were present.

Theppotsava: The Chamundeshwari Theppotsava will be held at Devikere in Chamundi Hill on Oct. 19 (Saturday) at 7 pm.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore