Wadiyar era custom and tradition still practiced at Hill temple; Pramoda Devi Wadiyar participates in rituals performed to Utsava Murti

Mysuru: The Vardhanti Mahotsava (birthday celebration) of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hill in city concluded yesterday night with Durbar Utsava performed to the Utsava Murti of the presiding deity.

Chief Priest of Chamundeshwari Temple Dr. Shashishekar Dixit told Star of Mysore this morning that erstwhile Mysore Royal Family Member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar participated in the puja rituals, organised at the homa-kunda area, adjacent to the main temple, last night at 8.

The tradition, which was launched by Wadiyars during the reign of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, is being practiced till date, by their antecedents. Pujas like  Panchopachara Puja, Phala Puja and Mantapotsava were performed on the lines of Durbar held at the Mysore Palace.

Deevatigeyavaru (torch-bearers) offered their respects to the deity, followed by armed Police personnel, who offered a ceremonial guard of honour to the Goddess, historically known as Barjith. Nadaswara artistes played tunes throughout the rituals, as part of the custom associated with the puja.