Mysuru, 15 Feb

Thousands of devotees on Sunday offered prayers at Male Mahadeshwara temple in Chamarajanagar, Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjangud, Trineshwara temple and other Shiva temples in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar to mark ‘Mahashivaratri.’

Devotees could be seen visiting the temples since early morning to offer flowers, belpatra, fruits, milk, and other items before the deity.

Special poojas will also continue from Sunday evening till early Monday morning.

Special poojas were also held at the Sri Trineshwaraswamy temple inside the Mysuru Palace premises, which attracted thousands of visitors. A five kilo golden mask adorned the presiding deity at the ancient temple on the occasion. The matriarch of the royal family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar also offered prayer at the temple.

The 11 kg golden mask with which the Shivling of the temple was adorned during the festival drew a large number of devotees. The mask known as ‘Chinnada Kolaga’ was donated to the temple by the last Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar on the occasion of the birth of his son Srikantadutta Narasimharaja Wadiyar in 1953. Since then the Shivling is adorned by it during Shivarathri every year.

Rudrabhishekha and other rituals were conducted in all Shiva temples during the holy occasion. 

In MM Hills in Chamarajanagar, the premises of the Male Mahadeshwara temple was adorned with special flowers and decorative lights.

Devotees from far-flung areas visited the temple along with wife of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other prominent personalities.

Salur Mutt authorities also arranged free meals for over 50,000 devotees.

Temple authorities also installed a huge platform at the Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjangud cultural activities, including bhajans as part of Mahashivarathri Jagaran.   

Devotees also offered special prayers at various Shiva temples spread over the City.