Vermilion, turmeric leave steps slippery; devotees call for scientific cleaning

Mysuru: The steps leading to Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill have turned red, not because of any divine curse, but due to the excessive application of vermilion (kumkum) and turmeric by devotees during the recent Ashada season   as part of their vows to Goddess Chamundeshwari.

The repeated application of vermillion and turmeric, which are often manufactured with chemicals, has altered the steps’ natural colour.

Frequent rains have also made the steps slippery, posing a risk to morning walkers who climb them regularly as part of their exercise routine.

Furthermore, rainwater carrying washed-off vermilion and turmeric could flow into the surrounding greenery, affecting the hill’s ecosystem.

While vermilion and turmeric have a significant place in Hindu traditions, many products sold in the market contain synthetic chemicals instead of natural ingredients. Their indiscriminate use on the hill steps could cause environmental damage and affect the heritage structure in the long run.

The steps to Chamundi Hill were laid in 1659 during the reign of Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar to make it easier for devotees to reach the hilltop.

Until then, devotees had to negotiate a difficult road, often travelling in bullock carts. Since then, the steps have remained an important route for devotees visiting the abode of Sri Chamundeshwari, the presiding  deity of Mysuru.

However, the area around the steps has also become an eyesore, with devotees leaving behind used water bottles and paper plates.

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority, Chamundi Hill Gram Panchayat and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) must take steps to clean the stairs scientifically.

The authorities should also install warning boards discouraging devotees from applying vermilion and turmeric on the steps, said the hill climbers.