Mysuru
The official inauguration of the Nada Habba Dasara will take place today with Pushparchane (floral offering) to the presiding deity of the land, Goddess Chamundi, in her sanctum.
In the wake of this, the Panchaloha idol of the presiding deity is being made ready. The chief priest of the temple, Shashishekar Dixit shared details with the reporters about various religious rituals to be conducted in the next ten days of Navaratri celebrations, and also the decorations to be made to the presiding deity.
He said as always, in the mornings they perform Rudrabhisheka and Panchamrutha Abhisheka. Today being Amavasya, all related rituals have been completed, and preparations for the Dasara procession are also underway. During Navratri, as per the scriptures, it is especially important to invite and worship the Nava Durgas — Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidhatri. Inviting and worshipping the Nava Durgas is the prescribed tradition.
Dixit said in decoration, they emphasize the forms of the Saptamatrikas — Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamala. Similarly, depending on tradition, some households install a kalasha for worship. Some temples perform Yantra Archana, others Sri Chakra Archana. Each follows their own tradition of festivities. The most emphasized period of worship is Sharad Kala (the autumnal season).
Different decorations for the goddess
The chief priest said special adornments include Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani, Chamundi, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali. As always, Maha Rudrabhisheka and daily festivities will take place. The royal Durbar will also be special. When the Maharajas conduct the Durbar in the palace, they offer Bagina (sacred offering) and then hold the Durbar — that is considered very significant. There is an inseparable bond between the Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill. The rituals performed in the temple here are in sync with those performed there. This temple has remained a traditional one, and the palace has continued its worship according to family deity traditions. This year, Lalita Panchami falls on Friday and Panchami also falls on Saturday. As per different traditions, rituals will be conducted on both days. There is no deviation in worship — only the tithi (lunar date) changes.
