Locals offer puja at M M Hill temple on Maha Shivratri; those from outside Chamarajanagr district denied entry

Maha Shivaratri was celebrated with religious fervour, as per the tradition, at Male Mahadeshwara Hill in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, on Thursday.

However, the temple wore a deserted look as the district administration and the M M Hill Temple Development Authority had banned the entry of devotees from other districts, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The residents within the M M Hill Gram Panchayat limits were allowed to be a part of the annual festival.

The sanctum sanctorum was decorated with apple, grapes, orange, sweet lime, corn and a variety of colourful flowers.

After abhisheka on Wednesday night, the idol was taken on a procession to Salur Mutt, launching the five-day Shivaratri festival. Special puja rituals and night vigil (jagarane) were held on Thursday.

Maharathotsava will be held on the last day of the festival. It may be mentioned that lakhs of people used to visit the pilgrim shrine every year, on Mahashivartri day. But, this year, it has been limited to locals, priests and temple management committee members.