Nanjangud sees huge turnout of devotees for ‘Dodda Jathre’

Scores of devotees from across Karnataka thronged the temple town of Nanjangud, near Mysuru, on Monday (March 30) to witness the famed ‘Pancha Maha Rathotsava’, popularly known as ‘Dodda Jathre’, celebrated with religious fervour.

The devotees congregated at the ‘Dakshin Kashi’ to participate in the annual car festival of Sri Nanjundeshwara, also known as Sri Srikanteshwara. Pilgrims began arriving in large numbers starting Sunday (March 29) evening as the grand ‘Maharathotsava’ was scheduled between 5.50 a.m. and 6.30 a.m.

The Maharathotsava commenced following special rituals and pujas performed to the idol of Lord Nanjundeshwara, placed in the main chariot — the Gauthama Ratha. The ceremonies were led by chief priest Nagachandra Dixit along with a team of priests, after which devotees pulled the towering chariot amid chants and slogans in praise of the deity.

Considered one of the largest chariot festivals in the State, the ‘Pancha Maha Rathotsava’ features five richly decorated chariots — Sri Ganesha Ratha, Gauthama Ratha, Parvathi Ratha, Subramanya Ratha, and Chandikeshwara Ratha — all pulled by devotees along the ‘Ratha Beedi’ around the temple.

The Ganesha Ratha was the first to roll out, followed by the other chariots. The highlight of the festival was the imposing Gauthama Ratha, standing nearly 90 feet tall and weighing around 110 tonnes, drawing the maximum attention of the devotees.

Elaborate arrangements were made by the Mysuru district administration and police to manage the large crowds and ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Despite the conclusion of the car festival, devotees continued to pour into the town, with locals expecting the rush to persist throughout the week.

Earlier in the day, devotees took a holy dip in the Kapila River flowing adjacent to the temple. Bathing ghats had been spruced up to facilitate pilgrims, many of whom had arrived days in advance.

Darshan Dhruvanarayan, Nanjangud MLA, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, and other officials were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, heavy traffic congestion was reported on roads leading to Nanjangud owing to the massive influx of devotees. Separate parking arrangements had been made to accommodate vehicles.