Mysuru: More than 50,000 devotees from across the state and country, thronged Chamundeswari temple atop Chamundi hills here to have darshan of Goddess Chamundeswari on the auspicious occasion of the first Ashada Friday. The temple was specially decorated with colourful flowers on the occasion.
“The month of Ashada is said to auspicious and it is mentioned in the Skanda purana that it should be devoted to perform special poojas for the Goddess of Power (Shakthi), especially Durga and Lakshmi, so that one’s wishes are fulfilled. Hence devotees from across the country throng the temple on Ashada Fridays,” Temple Chief Priest N. Shashishekara Dixit told DC. Special poojas including Abhisheka began as early as 3.30 am. The devotees were allowed inside the temple from 5.30 am till 10 pm
Vehicular movement to Chamundi hills was restricted for the 7th consecutive year. Parking facilities were arranged near Lalitmahal Helipad and free KSRTC buses were made available from there.
The traffic arrangements will continue for the next three Ashada Fridays on July 7, 14 and 21 and on Chamundi Janmotsava on July 16.
On an average, 5,000 to 7000 devotees visit Chamundi hills and the number goes upto 20,000 on regular Fridays, Sundays and general holidays. But this Friday, it crossed 50,000.
