Melukote: Vyramudi Brahmotsava was celebrated on a grand scale at Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple here last evening.

The temple priests adorned the Presiding Deity with the diamond-studded and precious Vyramudi Crown at the auspicious time of 9.30 in the night. After offering special pujas, the idol was brought out with tight security on a decorated palanquin and taken around in a procession around the temple and through main thoroughfares of the town.

Thousands of devotees from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and others took part in the event.

Former Minister H.D. Revanna, his wife, former MLA N. Cheluvarayaswmay, his wife, MP C.S. Puttaraju, DC N. Manjushri, Additional DC Vijay, Assistant Commissioner Yashoda and others were present.

Shifted from treasury

Vyramudi and Rajamudi Crowns, secured at District Treasury in Mandya, was taken out at 7.20 am in the presence of DC Manjushri. After performing the customary rituals, the crowns were handed over to the Melukote Temple authorities. The crowns were carried in a guarded vehicle with Police protection to Lakshmi Janardhana Swamy Temple in Mandya where pujas were offered and later moved to Melukote. En route, pujas were offered at all villages.

SP G. Radhika supervised the elaborate security arrangements in Melukote. Good toilets and drinking water arrangements were made for devotees. Entire Melukote was illuminated colourfully for the momentous occasion.