Ashada Friday: A sea of devotees flocks to Chamundi Hill

A sea of humanity flocked to the Chamundi Hills on Friday to seek the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari on the first Friday of the Ashada month.

Devotees began arriving from the early hours and stood in long queues, braving the weather to catch a glimpse of the diety. The temple was decorated with flowers, and the deity was adorned in Mahalakshmi Alankara.

Elaborate arrangements were made on the hill in view of the massive influx of devotees from various parts of the State. Nearly 1,000 police personnel were deployed for security and crowd management. Traffic was diverted on some roads leading to the hill to manage the rush.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has arranged for free bus services from the Lalitha Mahal Palace.

In addition to free darshan, the district administration introduced tickets for ₹300 and ₹2,000. Those opted for the ₹2,000 ticket were taken in AC buses from the temporary bus stand near Lalitha Mahal to the hill. They received direct darshan and were given prasadam, including a Chamundeshwari idol, a laddu, a bottle of drinking water, and a bag.

The temple authorities made arrangements for Dasoha (mass feeding), which is customary on the first Friday of the Ashada season.

Private vehicles will not be allowed on the hill on Saturday and Sunday. Devotees and visitors should park their vehicles at the designated parking area at the foothills and commute by the KSRTC buses.

A large number of devotees also climbed the hill using the steps. Some of the devotees climbed it to fulfil their ‘harake’ (vow).