Devotees circumambulate Nandi Hills in faith

Annual religious festivity draws a huge crowd

Hundreds of devotees took part in the 79th annual circumambulation of the Nandi Hill on Monday, the last Monday of Ashadha month in the Hindu almanac. The devotees walked along the foothill of the Nandi Hill chanting Lord Shiva’s name and singing of Bhajans.

The circumambulation (Pradakshine in Kannada) was started at 6.30 am at Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at Nandi village after performing puja under the leadership of Nandigiri Pradaskhine Trust’s office-bearers.

Several hundreds of devotees, including women and children, young and old, walked 15 kms. The faithful had come from various places like Bengaluru, Doddaballapur, Chikkaballapur, Devanahalli, Tumakuru, Vijayapura and Anantpur and Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh.

The circumambulation of the hill started from Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at Nandi village and passed through Kuduvathi, Karahalli Cross, Nandi Betta Cross, Heggadihalli, Gandheepura, Kanivepura and Sultanpet. They circumambulated five hills or Panchagiri - Nandigiri, Gopinathagiri, Dibbagiri, Brahmagiri and Channagiri. The religious festivity ended at Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple in the afternoon.

Villagers and members of various organisations and associations supplied breakfast, drinking water, biscuits, dry dates, sprouted corns, buttermilk and fruits to the devotees along the way.

Police officials had made security arrangements all over the circumambulation route. Several environmentalists also participated in the programme which has a history of over 70 years. Some were seen clicking selfies with their mobile phones.

Prajwal, an employee of a private company in Bengaluru, said, “I have come to Nandi Hill for fun several times during weekends. But this is a different experience. It’s a blend of health and spirituality. I am deeply moved by this circumambulation. Next year also, I will take part in this programme.”