Newskarnataka-Mysore

T. Narasipura : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah kick-started the grand Panchalinga Darshana Mahotsava  at Talakadu by offering Pushparchane to the Utsava Murthy of the Sri Vaidyanatheshwara Temple. Thousands of devotees from far and near had flocked  the town since Sunday night itself to be a part of the great celebrations. However, most were unaware that the temple would be opened for  the public only after 10 am on Monday after the initial religious rituals were complete.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Ministers V Srinivas Prasad, Dr HC Mahadevappa, HS  Mahadevaprasad, MPs Ramya and R Dhruvayanarayan among others.

Women offer Ganga Pooja : Women who had arrived for the Panchalinga Darshana at Talakadu, installed  Shiva Lingas made of sand on the Cauvery river banks and then worshipped Ganga.

Devotees who  also  visited the Sri Maruleshwara and Sri Pathaleshwara Temples, offered prayers to the Almighty. Thousands also paid visits to the Sri Arkeshwara  Temple and Mudukuthore Sri Mallikarjuna Swami Temples in  government buses.

Lakhs of devotees had arrived from across the state including Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore, Kolar, Chintamani, Bagepalli and other places.