People in large numbers throng Chamundi Hills on last Ashada Friday

The Hindu

18-07-2025

The last Friday of the Ashada season witnessed a massive rush of devotees at the Chamundi Hills, as thousands of people visited the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari to seek blessings.
Visiting the Chamundeshwari temple on Ashada Fridays is a centuries-old tradition in the region, and has gained more traction in recent years.
As a result, not only people from Mysuru, but also from nearby districts and other parts of the State made a beeline to the hill shrine on Friday. The temple was decorated with flowers to mark the event, while religious rites and ceremonies commenced at dawn.
As the entry of private vehicles was banned to regulate traffic, KSRTC had introduced shuttle services from the Lalitha Mahal Palace grounds to Chamundi Hills for the devotees. In sync with the tradition, many devotees walked up 1008 steps barefoot leading to the shrine. Among them was Minister of State for MSMEs Shobha Karandlaje, who has been following this tradition for years.
As it was the last Friday of Ashada, the district administration had anticipated heavy rush and had made adequate arrangements to enable the public to have a hassle-free darshan at the temple. But the authorities also had to manage the 'VIPs', including ministers and political leaders who made a beeline. Minister K.H. Muniyappa, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, and others were among the ones who visited.
The serpentine queue winding along the barricades was lengthy since dawn and police personnel were deployed in large numbers to handle any exigency.