BENGALURU: Thousands of devotees thronged major temples in different parts of the state on Sunday, the first day of the new year.
Devotees up lined up at various temples right from 6 am on Sunday. Huge crowds were seen at Kadu Malleshwara temple, Shirdi Sai Baba mandirs, Ganesha temples, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple and Banashankari temple in the city.
Actor Sharan visited the Kadu Malleshwara temple in Malleswaram and said, “I would like to thank God for completing 2022 peacefully. The new year is starting with a positive spirit. The entire world was affected by the pandemic in the last two years. Nothing untoward happened in 2022 and I hope the same will continue in 2023 also. Covid is still active. Everyone should wear masks, maintain social distance in public places. May God bless all with health and happiness this year”.
Special decoration was made at the ISKCON temple in Rajajinagar. Puja and abhisheka began at 4 am for Lord Radhakrishna. A Sri Narasimhaswamy Homa was performed at the temple for the global welfare.
In Mysuru, the Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills saw heavy rush of devotees. It is considered auspicious to seek the blessings of the goddess on the first day of the year.
Similarly, the Goddess Nimishamba temple near Srirangapatna in Mandya district too saw a rush of devotees.