Thousands throng Hasanamba temple on Day One

Thousands of people had darshan of goddess Hasanamba on the first day on Thursday, after the temple was opened as per the custom in the afternoon.

Despite restrictions that there will be no darshan on the first day, a large number of people had gathered near the temple.

The doors of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum was opened after the priests performed the rituals at 12.32 pm, in the presence of district in-charge Minister A Manju, Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, Assistant Commissioner H L Nagaraj, and Tahsildar Shivashankarappa.

The religious rituals started at 11 am on Thursday morning. As per the custom, the descendant of the erstwhile Arasu royal family Nanjaraj Urs felled the Banni and plantain stalk, marking the beginning of the festivities for the year 2017.

A large number of devotees had gathered on the premises of the temple and they were seen rushing to collect a piece of banni and plantain stalk as it is believed auspicious to possess one.

Special darshan tickets

The temple will remain open up till October 21. Arrangements have been made for the distribution of prasada for the devotees. Special darshan tickets are available for Rs 300 and Rs 1,000.

The doors were closed at 7.30 pm on Thursday. However, it will remain open from 5 am on Friday (October 13) up to midnight on October 20.

The gold ornaments that were kept at the District Treasury was brought to the temple on Monday. The sanctum sanctorum was cleaned and the deity was adorned with ornaments.

Speaking to DH, Minister Manju said, the flowers on the deities were still fresh and the lamps were burning, when the doors were opened. It is a good omen. It is hoped that the state will be blessed with good rains and prosperity.

With more than 15 lakh people expected to visit the temple this year, the district administration has made all arrangements, he said.