Mahalingeshwara Jatra begins with grand Jatotsava

Mahalingpur: The Mahalingeshwara Jatra Mahotsava began at Channagireshwara Temple here on Friday with a public Jatotsava.A sacred lock of matted hair, believed to have been given by Mahalingeshwara to devotee Siddayi Tai, was decorated with flowers and carried in a palanquin procession from Mahalingeshwara Temple to Channagireshwara Temple.The Department of Kannada and Culture and the Jatra Mahotsava Committee jointly organised the procession featuring folk-art troupes.Women’s Dollu Kunitha, led by Vanishree Gowdar of Somanakoppa, and Dollu Kunitha led by Vitthal Talawar of Janamatti thrilled devotees. Puppet dance led by Parasappa Kisti and Basappa Mantur of Kankanawadi and Jhanjh Pathak led by Bhimashi Chougala of Handigund were key attractions. Karadi Majalu and Halage Majalu instruments added festive colour. Kandyaal Basinga, Nandikolu and Uchchayi carts enhanced the charm of the procession.At Channagireshwara Temple, Mahalingeshwara Shivayogi Rajendra Swamiji purified the lock with sacred Gandhodaka and Guggala smoke before performing abhisheka.Hundreds witnessed the ritual. Both temples were illuminated, and devotees were served food.The grand chariot festival will be held overnight from the evening of September 26, preceded by Harivana Katte Looti at Mahalingeshwara Temple.

Source: Deccan Herald