Mysuru, Oct. 9 (PM&DM)- The Teppotsava of Goddess Chamundeshwari Utsava Murti was held last evening at Devikere atop Chamundi Hill in a grand manner, which was attended by thousands of devotees.

The Utsava Murti was placed in the specially decorated and illuminated Teppa (Coracle) at Devikere, following which Mahamangalarati and other rituals were performed, with the Police band melodiously playing the tune of Mysore State Anthem ‘Kayo Sri Gowri… Karuna Lahari’ in the background. The devotees chanted slogans such as ‘Chamundeshwari Devige Jayavagali’ hailing the Goddess, as the Utsava Murti was brought in a Pallakki and placed in the Teppa (Coracle or flat float) at around 7 pm.

Earlier in the day yesterday, Vasantha Puja rituals were performed to Goddess Chamundeshwari, following which Avabhruta Teerthasnana was conducted and brought to the Mantapotsava.

All the associated rituals were performed under the guidance of the Hill Temple Chief Priest Shashishekar Dikshit. After completion of all the rituals at Devikere, the Utsava Murti was brought back to the temple atop Chamundi Hill.

Royal family members absent

The erstwhile Mysore Royal Family members were absent for the Teppotsava, which was the last event of Dasara festivities. Though the participation of the Royal Family members is not mandatory, the authorities had made seating arrangement for them, including the Titular Head Yaduveer Wadiyar, who is also the Mysuru-Kodagu MP. However, they were absent for some reasons.

City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Secretary M.J. Roopa and other officials were present.

With the conduct of Teppotsava, curtains were drawn on the Dasara festivities this year.