Mysuru: Thousands of devotees are on their way to Thirumakoodlu Narsipur (T Narsipur) to take a holy dip in the confluence (Sangama) of Kapila, Spatika and Cauvery rivers during the three day 11th Kumbh Mela which began on Sunday.
The Kumbh Mela is expected to draw over 10 lakh people. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameswar and other leaders are expected to participate in Mahodaya Punya Maagha Snaana and take the holy dip between 9.35 am and 9.50 am on Tuesday.
Later Mr Kumaraswamy is scheduled to participate in the dharma sabha.
Special rituals, poojas, homa, abhisheka, poornahuthi, mass Lalitha Sahasranama and other programmes are being organised for world peace on the occasion. As many as 140 personnel of the Indian army have built a 160 feet long, three feet wide floating bridge from Gunjanarasimhaswamy temple to Agasthyeswaraswamy temple near Sangama for the benefit of pilgrims.
Sixty expert swimmers and two motor boats are being deputed for the safety of pilgrims who arrive to take the holy dip.
Two temporary clinics are being set up and four ambulances are being arranged in case of an emergency.
As many as 1500 police including four KSRP platoons, six DAR platoons and special forces including the bomb disposal squad have been deputed for security. Five police information kiosks have been set up.
It was three decades ago in 1989 that the Kumbh Mela in T Narsipura was started with Adichunchangiri Matha seer late Sri Balagangadharnath Swamiji and JSS Matha seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendraswamiji taking the lead. More than 40 mathas, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Sri Veerendra Heggade and Sri Sri Ravishankar of Art of Living(AoL) have joined hands in hosting this Kumbh Mela.
It is said that Agasthya Muni formed Shiva Linga in sand and installed and worshipped it here. It is also believed that the water at the Sangama is as sacred as that of river Ganga.
