Panchamaha Rathotsava celebrated in Nanjangud

Mysore, Mar 30 (UNI) Thousands of devotees witnessed the Panchamaha Rathotsava (car festival) as part of the famous Dodda Jatra at the abode of Lord Srikanteswara at Nanjangud, near here, today.

The journey of five rathas began after the traditional pooja to Lord Ganesha in front of the temple by the chief priest. Karnataka Housing Minister D T Jayakumar offered pooja before the commencement of the procession.

The 90-ft Srikanteswara ratha, also called Gautham Ratha, weighing 205 tonnes, carried the presiding deity from the temple premises through the main streets of the temple town. All along the route, devotees chanted 'Jai Srikanta, Jai Nanjunda' (Lord Shiva).

Police personnel had made elaborate security arrangements around all the five rathas in view of the unsavoury incident four years ago when a devotee was killed and four others lost their limbs after being caught under the wheels.

UNI