The Maharathotsava, organised as part of Deepavali was held with religious fervour and in grand manner at Malemahadeshwara Hills yesterday. Lakhs of devotees from various parts of the State including neighbouring Tamil Nadu thronged the temple to offer special prayers.
Abhishekha for idol of Malemahadeshwara, the local folk hero, bilvarchane, and other rituals were performed by temple priests. The pujas began from 4 am. Devotees pulled the chariot after Kalasa carrying 101 women belonging to tribal Bedagampana community performed arathi as per tradition from several decades marking the beginning of the festival.
