Thousands throng Chamundi Hills on first Ashada Friday

Special pujas performed to presiding deity since 3 am

 Thousands thronged Chamundeshwari temple atop the hill on account of first Ashada Friday and paid obeisance to the goddess.

A chill in the air did not dampen the spirit of the devotees who came from across the state and waited patiently in long queues for a darshan.

The temple was decorated with colourful flowers and the deity was adorned with gold ornaments and a silk saree. Special pujas including Rudrabhisheka, Panchamrutha abhishekha and others were performed to the presiding deity from 3 am.

The public were allowed to enter the temple from 5 am. The temple was open till 10 pm to enable devotees have a darshan.

Chief priest Shashidhar Dixit told DH that as the month of Ashada is considered inauspicious, people offer Shakti puja during the month. It is believed that paying a visit to the temple and performing puja to goddess Chamundeshwari, who is the abode of knowledge and power, brings prosperity.

Some of the devotees were seen smearing turmeric and vermillion to the 1,000 steps leading to the hill temple to fulfill their vows. As the district administration and temple management had made all necessary arrangements well in advance, no untoward incidents were reported. A special entry to the temple was priced at Rs 50 and Rs 300 for the day.

Near the Nandi statue, devotees were seen distributing vegetable pulao and curd rice to visitors.

A temporary awning was erected near the Dasoha Bhavan for mass feeding purposes. Drinking water, temporary toilets, barricades and illumination arrangements were also organised. K R Police had also heightened security measures here.

Vardhanti on July 16

With ‘Vardhantotsava’ festival scheduled to be celebrated on July 16, more number of devotees are expected to visit the temple.

Bus facility

With the movement of private vehicles restricted atop the hill, parking arrangements were made at Lalith Mahal helipad. KSRTC had begun its service from 2 am by ferrying devotees to the hill free of cost. Around 25 buses were arranged for the purpose. Buses also plied from the city bus stand to Chamundi Hills by charging the regular fare.