Chamundeshwari Temple,
Chamundi Hills – Festivals
The
temple is famous for the celebrations of festivals like Aashada Sukravara,
Navaratri and Ammanavara Vardhanthi.
Navaratri:
The most important festival
celebrated here is Navaratri. Mysore Dusshera is celebrated as the
state festival of Karnataka, called Nadahabba in Kannada. During Navaratri, the
Goddess is decorated in 9 different ways to depict nine different aspects of
the goddess. On the 7th day of Navaratri (Kaala Ratri), valuable
jewels donated by Maharajas are brought from the District Treasury of Mysuru
and Chamundi graces the devotees with these jewels. During the Dasara
festival, on Vijayadashami, the Jumbo Savari, traditional Dasara procession
goes onto the streets of Mysore city. Idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which
is placed on a Golden mantapa, on the top of a decorated elephant. Balarama,
the elephant has been performing this great venture from the past 9 years.
Ashada Sukravara:
Ashada Sukravara (first Friday
of the Hindu lunar month) is considered auspicious in this
Temple. Lakhs of devotees throng the
temple during this occasion.
Chamundi Jayanti:
Chamundi Jayanti is another
festival celebrated during the month of Ashada. This day is celebrated on the
anniversary of the consecration of the utsava murthy of the goddess
by the Maharaja of Mysore. On this occasion, the goddess's icon is taken around
the
temple in a golden palanquin.
Rathotsava:
Rathotsava festival is celebrated 10 days after Dusshera.
Generally, it is conducted on full moon day. A representative from royal family
drew the temple car in a symbolic manner following the rituals.
Theppothsava:
Theppothsava (floating festival)
is another famous festival celebrated here. The festival takes place in the
night and the deity is taken in a boat in the temple tank.
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