Gaeity marks Theppotsava atop Hill

Theppotsava of the deity Goddess Chamundeshwari was celebrated with much fanfare at Devikere atop Chamundi Hill, here on Friday.

The utsava murthy (procession deity) decorated in keeping with the tradition and installed on a flower bedecked motor boat was circumambulated thrice in the lake, thus marking the festival. Theppotsava is celebrated every year after Dasara. It falls one day after the car festival atop the hill.

The idol was brought in a procession to the lake was installed on the elevated platform in the boat, amidst chantings by the devotees. The deity embellished with blue silk saree and jewels, was offered puja by a team of priests led by chief priest of the temple Shashishekar Dixit. It was followed by ceremonial performance of police band including the National Anthem.

The deity was later taken out on a procession in the water much to the delight of thousands of devotees who had gathered in large numbers.

What added colour to the occasion was fireworks that dotted the skies, illuminating the boat.

Anticipating rain, the boat was covered by temporary canopy. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar wife of royal scion Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar paid her obeisance and later witnessed the fest that lasted 40 minutes.