The Hindu

Mysore, Nov 18: The statue of Nandi atop Chamundi Hills took on various hues when it was bathed in milk and curds, among other things, on the occasion of its “Mastakabhisheka” here on Monday.

This is the third year that the Mastakabhisheka is being performed to the statue, which is one of the prime attractions for visitors to Chamundi Hills. The three-hour ritual began at 10.30 a.m. in the presence of Chidananda Swamiji of Hosa Math, Neelakanta Siddamalla Swamiji and Vyaghramukha Guhe Jamunagiri Swamiji.

Inspired by the millennium’s first Mastakabhisheka to Lord Bahubali at Sharavanabelagola, a few enthusiasts who climb the hills every day, decided to perform Mastakabhisheka to the statue on a grand scale and formed the “Chamundi Betta Sri Mahanandi Puja Mahotsava Samiti Bettada Balaga”. Over 5,000 people, including devotees from Mysore, witnessed the ‘grand bath’. More than 1,000 litres of milk was poured on the statue. Later, 500 litres of curd, 200 litres of clarified butter, 200 litres of tender coconut water, honey, sugar crystals, bananas, grapes, dates, dry fruits, sandal paste, flowers, turmeric and vermillion were offered to the statue. Water from tankers was used to clean the area after the event.

The statue was decorated with flowers after the Mastakabhisheka. The organisers had organised ‘anna dasoha’ for those who witnessed the event.

Before launching the Masatabhisheka in 2006, the samiti members met officials of the State Archaeological Department and after receiving a favourable response from them, performed the ceremony.