Mysore/Mysuru: Mahashivarathri was celebrated with great religious fervour and cultural splendour at Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple in K. Hemmanahalli, located at the 9th kilometre on Bogadi Road in the city. The 32nd Annual Temple Fair (Jatra Mahotsava) was also held  on the occasion with much enthusiasm from Sunday to Monday (Feb. 15 and 16).

From 6 am on Sunday, devotees thronged the temple in large numbers. The sacred Rudrabhisheka rituals continued until Monday morning. Devotees had the opportunity to personally perform abhisheka to the ancient Shivalinga situated  in the Ashokavana within the temple premises and seek the divine blessings.

Adding to the festive spirit were various religious and cultural programmes that began at 10 am. Artistes of Sri Mahalingeshwara Krupaposhita Nataka Mandali presented devotional musical renditions, while several bhajana groups performed hymns and recited the Shiva Panchakshari Stotra. A special devotional walk was also organised  from the temple to Madagalli Doddakere as part of the Shivarathri observances.

As part of the night-long vigil, artistes from Sri Beereshwara Krupaposhita Nataka Mandali staged a mythological play titled ‘Shivabhakta Chandasura (Hemavathi Parinaya)’ at the open-air theatre in front of the temple. The brightly illuminated stage and the performance by rural artistes created a deeply devotional atmosphere.

Temple President M. Ganesh, Secretary Ananthavardhana, Treasurer Puttasiddanayaka, Senior Advocate O. Sham Bhat, village elders, Taluk and District Panchayat representatives, former village members M. Mahadevu, Manju (JMMC), Masanegowda, Laxman (son of Ramegowda), Manju (son of Rudrappa), Krishna (son of Dodda Siddegowda), Mahadev Kolakar, Manju and several others were present during              the celebrations.