MYSURU, 28 JUNE

The first Ashadha Friday saw over 2 lakh devotees at Chamundi Hills, offering special prayers at the Sri Chamundeshwari temple. The special poojas started at 3.30am, and the temple doors were opened for devotees at 5.30am. Hundreds of thousands of devotees took public transport starting from 3am from Lalithamahal helipad grounds on T Narasipur road to reach the hilltop while thousands chose to climb the 1001 steps in the wee hours to reach the pilgrimage site.

While the Mysuru city police ensured law and order and safety, the temple management faced criticism as devotees had to wait for hours for darshan. Devotees were allowed to have darshan after performing all pujas and rituals like Rudrabhisheka, Panchamrutha Abhisheka, Kunkumarchane, Ekadashapuspharchane, Sahasranamarchane conducted by the chief priest of the temple.  The entry of all public vehicles was banned this year, too.