Mysore, March 24, 2013:
A sea of humanity numbering approximately over one lakh, devotees participated in the auspicious Pancha Maharathotsava (Dodda Jaathre) at the premises of Srikanteshwara Swamy temple in Nanjangud which is also known as Dakshina kashi, in the district today . The four day festival began with Maharathosava .
The puja rituals to the five chariots namely Ganapathi ratha, Gautama ratha, Parvathiamma ratha, Subrahmanya ratha and Chandikeshava ratha were performed in the auspicious Meena lagna by chief priests Neelakanta Dixit, assisted by junior archakas.
The momentous occasion came when the 60 feet tall and 150-tonne heavy Gau-thama ratha carrying the idol of presiding deity Lord Sreekanteshwara, began moving with Gana-pathi ratha at the vanguard. The other three chariots followed suit.
All the five chariots were pulled by devotees using massive jute cords. The huge gathering went ecstatic with emotion and devotion throwing flowers and fruits at the idols of the deities in the chariots as they traversed the assigned route through the ratha beedhi (Car Street). All the five chariots were reached temple after went around without any hindrance.
Devotees arrived in the temple town since last two days to have darshan of famous Maharathosava of lord Srikanteshwara .
KSRTC had arranged special buses up to the temple from various parts of the districts .the devotees also had a holy dip in the river Kapila on the occasion. Elaborate security arrangements were made by the Police. voluntary organizations and temple authorities had made arrangements for the distribution of prasada to the devotees.
Fire tenders, ambulances, and PHF staff were in attendance to tackle any eventuality.
