Thousands witness to Kumbh Mela

Lakhs of devotees expected to perform holy dip on February 25

Thousands of devotees made a beeline to Tirumukoodalu Triveni Sangama, T Narsipur taluk, Mysore district, where the 9th Kumbh Mela began on Saturday.

They walked along the temporary bridge towards the religious podium amidst the river. Saints and devotees in large numbers took a holy dip in the river on the first day of the South India’s only Kumbh Mela.

The mela, which started in 1989 was a brainchild of the late seer Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri mutt. The Sangama is the confluence of rivers Cauvery and Kapila. The mela was initiated replicating the idea of Kumbh Mela of North India, held at Prayag, Allahabad.

Kumbh Mela observed here for three days will have ‘holy bathing’ on February 25, the last day of the mega event, which will be witnessed by lakhs of devotees.

The district administration has taken all necessary precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident during the holy religious event.

Barricades have been erected at spots, which are deep to guide devotees.

Suttur seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji, Adichunchanagiri seer Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Vatal mutt seer Sri Siddalinga Shivacharya Swamiji and Kaginele seer Sri Shivanandapuri Swamiji formally inaugurated the Kumbh Mela.

Inaugurating the religious convention, deputy chief minister R Ashok likened the river to that of mother and called the place a holy one.

He opined that the Kumbh Mela will facilitate devotees of Southern India, who cannot make it to Prayag.