Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hills – Festivals

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 7^th 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.