Mysuru: The Teppotsava of Goddess Chamundeshwari Utsava Murti was held at Devikere atop Chamundi Hill last evening, with thousands of devotees taking part.

The Teppotsava is held as per past tradition after Chamundeshwari Rathotsava atop the Hill, which  took place a couple of days ago.

The rituals on Monday began with Vasantha Puje to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the morning, followed by Avabhruta Teertha Snana and Mantapotsava.

Later on, the Utsava Murti was placed in a Palanquin (Pallakki) and taken to Devikere, where the Teppotsava was held in a grand manner with the performance of customary rituals in the presence of thousands of devotees. After Teppotsava, the Utsava Murti was brought back to the Hill Temple in a procession.

Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Secretary M.J. Roopa, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, DCP Dr. Harsha Priyamvada and others drawing the Palanquin carrying the decorated idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hill, before the Palanquin was taken to Devikere.

The Dasara illumination lent more splendour to Teppotsava, with devotees enjoying the dazzling lights.

All the associated rituals were performed under the guidance of  the Hill Temple Chief Priest Shashishekar Dixit.

However, the erstwhile Royal Family members were absent.

Though there is no customary practise of the presence of Royal Family members, the authorities had made seating arrangements for them, in anticipation of their participation.

Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Secretary M.J. Roopa, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dr. Harsha Priyamvada and other officials joined in the pulling of Palanquin at the start.

DCP K.S. Sundar Raj and other Police personnel were present on the occasion.