Mysore: Actor Darshan visits Chamundi Hills for Ashada darshan amid huge devotee rush

Thousands of devotees gathered at Mysuru’s Chamundi Hills on Friday morning to offer prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari as part of the Ashada month rituals. Among them was popular Kannada actor Darshan, who visited the temple with his wife to seek the deity’s blessings. A regular visitor during Ashada, Darshan had missed the previous year’s visit due to his time in judicial custody.

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The temple premises saw an overwhelming number of devotees arriving from across Karnataka. Special early morning rituals began as early as 3:30 AM with various abhishekas (ritualistic offerings), and the temple was opened for public darshan from 6:00 AM onwards. In anticipation of the rush, elaborate arrangements were made to manage the crowds efficiently and safely.

To ensure orderly movement and prevent overcrowding, barricades were placed throughout the temple paths. Devotees had options for general darshan, ticketed access, and entry via the traditional steps (mettige darshana). The temple was beautifully decorated with various fruits and floral arrangements, adding to the festive atmosphere.

In view of the crowd, private vehicles were restricted from entering Chamundi Hills. Instead, free shuttle bus services were arranged from Lalitha Mahal grounds to the temple. Authorities also ensured the availability of drinking water, clean restrooms, and other basic amenities for the convenience of the devotees.