Hasanamba temple reopened

5,000 devotees gather for darshan on day one of the season

The Hasanamba temple opened its doors for public darshan amid chanting of hymns by devotees at 12.44 pm on Thursday.

There was a lot of confusion immediately after the doors were opened as hundreds of devotees, who had gathered there wanted to enter the temple, though it had been announced that public darshan will be only from November 6.

It is believed that the oil lamps lighted last year glow till the temple is opened the following year and the flowers stay fresh.

Various puja rituals had been organised from Thursday morning and people were seen standing in a serpentine queue right from 5.30 am. Pujas were performed to the door before opening it at 12.44 pm after cutting a plantain stalk, formally launching the Hasanamba festival.

District In-charge Minister A Manju, Deputy Commissioner Umesh H Kusugal and elected representatives paid obeisance to the goddess. Police found it difficult to control the surging crowd and it took almost a few hours to bring the situation under control.

The temple will be open only for eight days this year. More than 5,000 people had darshan on day one.The district administration has made all necessary arrangements like drinking water and prasada was prepared for the benefit of the devotees.

Speaking to mediapersons, Minister Manju said he noticed that the lamp was glowing when he entered the temple and the flowers too were found fresh. He said that he had prayed to the goddess to ease the sufferings of the farmers, who are reeling under drought.