MP Shobha Karandlaje climbs steps to seek blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari
Mysore/Mysuru: Amidst the ban on entry of devotees as a crowd-control measure in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the Fourth and last Ashada Friday was celebrated in a simple and symbolic manner at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hill this morning.
The rituals began as early at 4.30 am with priests, under the guidance of the Temple Chief Priest Dr. N. Shashishekar Dikshit, performing Mahanyasapoorvaka Abhisheka, Rudrabhisheka and other associated poojas. After completion of all the customary rituals the Temple was opened at 7 am, following which the presiding deity, decorated in ‘Simhavahini Alankara’ was taken around in a procession within the temple premises. After Mahamangalarathi, the Temple was closed at about 8 am.
MP climbs steps
In keeping with her vow of visiting the Hill Temple every year during Ashada month, Udupi-Chikkamagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje climbed the steps of Chamundi Hill in the early morning chill and had Darshan of Goddess Chamundeshwari. She was accompanied by Chamaraja MLA L. Nagendra, Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Exhibition Authority Chairman B.P. Manjunath and a few other local BJP leaders.
It may be mentioned here that Shobha has been visiting the Hill Temple at least once a year after she donned the role of Mysuru District Minister for some time when the BJP Government headed by B.S. Yediyurappa first came to power over a decade ago.
Former MLA denied entry
Even as BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje succeeded in visiting the Hill Temple by climbing steps, former K.R. MLA M.K. Somashekar and some Corporators who wanted to visit the Hill Temple by road on the last Ashada Friday, were denied permission by the Police.
The vehicles of the former MLA, the Corporators and a few residents were stopped by the Police at the entry gate on the main road leading from the foothill. Also, public were seen arguing with the Police on the special permission being given to VIPs amidst the ban on entry of devotees.
No entry for devotees till July 20
As a crowd management measure, the District Administration has extended the ban on entry of devotees to Chamundeshwari Temple till July 20. Accordingly, the Temple will be shut for devotees from today, the last Ashada Friday, till July 20. The District Administration has already banned the entry of devotees on Saturdays and Sundays during the Ashada month. The Temple will re-open only on July 21.
This post was published on July 17, 2020 6:39 pm