HASSAN: The Hasanamba Jatra Mahotsava of Hassan’s presiding deity Mother Hasanamba, who gives darshan only once in a year, was inaugurated on Thursday.
On first Thursday of Ashwayuja month at 12:28 pm, after royal descendant Nanjaraje Urs cut the banana stem as per tradition, in the presence of many dignitaries, the sanctum sanctorum was opened as per scriptures. At this time, hundreds of devotees who were present cheered.
When the Hasanamba sanctum sanctorum door was opened, the Nandadeepa was still burning and flowers had not withered. Also, the Naivedya was as it is and had not spoiled. After that, special pooja was performed in temple by team of 20 archakas.
At the time of opening sanctum sanctorum door, Adichunchanagiri Math Peethadhyaksha Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Tumakuru’s Siddalinga Swamiji, District In-charge Minister K M Shivalinge Gowda, Muzarai Department Minister Basantappa, Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari including officers and dignitaries were present.
Even though there was no opportunity for public darshan on Thursday, thousands of devotees had come for darshan of the Goddess. Initially, restriction was imposed on devotees, but the district administration yielded to pressure and gave opportunity for devotees for darshan of Goddess. As soon they were allowed darshan, pushing and jostling took place and the police struggled to control devotees.
Hasanamba who has history of thousands of years has embodied many miracle-like things. There is a belief that the lamp lit, Naivedya kept, flower adorned while closing sanctum sanctorum every year will not wither. Also as there is belief that presiding deity fulfills wished desires, not only from district but from state, outside states also lakhs of people come for Devi darshan. To give protection from rain-sun to coming devotees, tent arrangement has also been made outside temple.
