A large number of people witnessed the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy’s Brahma Rathotsava at B.R. Hills near here on Sunday.
The over 500-year-old temple atop the picturesque 5,100-ft. high Biligiri hills attracts a large number of people from all over the country, every year. The name of the hill, ‘Biligiri’ or ‘Swetadri’ in Sanskrit, is attributed to the white fog that covers the entire cliff, almost every morning. Besides, it is surrounded by a thick forest, giving it an enchanting look.
The Brahmotsav on Sunday began after Yelandur tahsildar K. Siddu offered worship to the beautifully bedecked chariot carrying Sri Ranganathaswamy’s idol at about 11 a.m.
As a prelude to the rich car festival, Soliga tribal rituals were performed amidst the chanting of hymns by a priest.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation had arranged for additional bus services to the B.R. Hills.
Meanwhile, Dayananda Swami, president of the Vishwa Prani Kalyan Mandali, along with other members of the mandali, have launched an awareness campaign against the practice of animal sacrifice. Check-posts at Gumballi and Hondarabalu had restricted the entry of people, who wanted to witness the animal sacrifice. A few foreign tourists had come to B.R. Hills to witness the car festival. The Yelandur town panchayat had created adequate facilities like adequate supply of drinking water for the people.
KSRTC had arranged for additional bus services from surrounding places
