Mandya: ‘Vishnu Deepothsava’ was held on a grand scale at Sri Cheluvarayaswamy Temple in Melukote last night.

After the Deepothsava, chanting of Vedas was held in front of Raja Gopura. Aarathi was performed and a lamp was lit atop the Garuda Kambha.

A Karuga made by dipping a cloth in oil was burnt in front of the Raja Gopura and the soot formed was offered as Prasada to hundreds of devotees. 

Mantapa Vahanothsava was taken out through the main roads of the town. Lit clay lamps were lined up at all the important locations at the temple premises After 20 days other utsavas would commence beginning with Kotarothsava.

Dhanurmasa puja begins: Dhanuramasa puja commenced today at 4.30 am at the temple and went on till 7.30 am featuring Sahasranama, Parayana and other rituals. 

The puja rituals will continue in the mornings till the commencement of Kotarothsava and continue further in the afternoons till Sankranthi. As usual, darshan for the public will be continued at the temple even after 9.30 am, according to Temple Executive Officer Nanjegowda.