Hassan: The sanctum sanctorum of the historic Hasanamba Temple, the presiding deity of Hassan city, was ceremonially opened on Thursday at 12.28pm after a year-long closure, marking the beginning of the Hasanamba Jatra Mahotsava.Before the opening, royal descendant Nanjaraja Urs circumambulated the temple three times and cut a bunch of bananas with a long sword as part of the traditional ritual. After the final puja, the temple doors opened amid chants of “Jai Hasanamba”. Devotees rushed to collect pieces of the banana stem used in the ceremony.Several religious leaders, ministers, elected representatives and senior officials witnessed the occasion. Special rituals, including Kumkumarchane and torch worship, were performed at the temple entrance.Those present included Nirmalanandanatha Swami of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Siddalinga Swami of Siddaganga Mutt, Shivananandapuri Swami of Kanaka Guru Peetha, minister KM Shivalingegowda, Muzrai minister Basavanthappa, MP Shreyas M Patel, MLA HP Swaroop Prakash, DC KS Latha Kumari and SP Shubhanwita.Though authorities barred public entry during the opening ceremony, thousands of devotees gathered outside and waited in long queues. Police later allowed them to enter and offer prayers.Public darshan will continue until Nov 10, while the sanctum doors will close on Nov 11. Basavanthappa said he prayed for relief to drought-hit farmers. Shivalingegowda said arrangements were in place to provide round-the-clock darshan from Friday with additional priests supporting the service.
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