Sea of devotees witness Shivayogi rathotsava at Suttur

Thousands of devotees witnessed the Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogigala maharathotsava at Suttur, Mysuru district, on Monday.

The 55-feet tall new chariot of the temple, weighing over 45 tonnes, built at a cost of Rs 2 crore, was the main attraction this time. The car festival (rathotsava) was celebrated with religious fervor and grandeur, accompanied by folk and cultural troupes, adding colour to the festivities.

Devotees from across the state and also from neighbouring states were part of the festival. They offered flowers and 'javana' to the chariot.

Though the new chariot was dedicated by Governor Vajubai Vala, it was the old chariot that was decorated with flowers and buntings and taken out in a procession. The new chariot was taken out only for a short distance.

Seers from various mutts and religious centres offered floral tribute to the idol of Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi and pulled the rope, heralding the festival. The chariot returned to its original position after completing a procession of about 1.5 km.

Folk troupes, comprising Navilu kunitha, Hulivesha, Garudigombe and others added glitter to the festival. A few tableaus were also taken out on the occasion. There was a heavy crowd this time as the car festival coincided with Sankranthi festival on Monday.

Religious rituals started as early as 4 am and devotees started gathering at the village since the break of the dawn, having a holy dip at Kapila river to be part of the festival.

The devotees were served 'battani bath, kadale huli, laddu, payasa, rice sambar, majjige for lunch. Vendors selling toys, plastic items, sweets and other material were doing roaring business.

The cattle fair also drew a huge crowd. In the evening, Maharudrabhisheka and Veerabhadreshwara Kondotsava were held.