Fasting, elaborate rituals mark Mahashivaratri

The district may be facing its worst-ever drought but it did not dampen the spirits of devotees across Mysuru region who celebrated Mahashivaratri with religious zeal and fervour.

All the temples, especially Shaivaite ones, were decorated with flowers and buntings. From as early as dawn, temples in the cities, towns and villages saw a steady stream of devotees thronging to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

Ramanuja Road in Mysuru city was abuzz with activity as there are two Shiva temples there — Sri Kamakameshwari temple and 101 Shiva temple — where devotees were seen waiting in long queues to pay obeisance to the deities.

Farmers turn traders

Farmers of surrounding villages made the most of the occasion by turning traders for a day to earn some fast money by selling ‘bilvapatre’, mango leaves and fruits near markets, by the roadsides and even on push carts.

Jasmine was expensive till Thursday but its prices came down on Friday after flowers from Tamil Nadu reached the Devaraja Market.

Jasmine was sold at Rs 520 per kg on Thursday but was available for Rs 320 on Fri-
day. However, retailers were selling jasmine at Rs 100 per metre. Kakada was sold at Rs 500 per kg, Kanakambara at Rs 420 per kg and Sevanthige at Rs 50 per metre.

Night vigil

The Trinayaneshwara temple on Mysuru Palace premises was decorated with the golden mask and turned out to be a crowd puller. Special pujas, rudrabhisheka and other rituals were organised at all Shiva temples. These temples will remain open for public till Saturday morning so as to facilitate night vigil, the hallmark of Shivaratri.

Padayatra to hill shrine

Male Mahadeshwara Hill, the most popular pilgrimage centre at Hanur, in Chamarajanagar district, was decked up for Mahashivaratri. Thousands of devotees from across the state and Tamil Nadu visited the temple to seek a darshan of the deity and to fulfil their vows. Undeterred by the scorching sun, hundreds took up a padayatra to the temple. 

Many devotees were seen taking shelter on the temple premises as all accommodations were full. Police department had taken up necessary measures to prevent criminal activities and were seen distributing handbills to devotees to be watchful of pickpockets and chain snatchers. All Shiva temples in Hassan and Mandya districts too celebrated Mahashivaratri in a grand manner.