The iconic statue of Nandi – Dodda Basaveshwara – atop Chamundi Hills came alive on Monday as Mastakabhisheka was performed.
The monolithic sculpture looked remarkable in various hues during the annual spectacle on the occasion of first Monday of ‘Karthikamasa’.
Mettilu Hattuva Balaga, an association of morning walkers who have been climbing the steps of Chamundi Hills on Fridays, organised the event that was witnessed by hundreds. The balaga has been performing the ritual for the last eight years.
The statue was bathed in over 47 ingredients, including milk, curd, ghee, sandalwood paste, turmeric and vermilion water, grapes, dry fruits, tender coconut, sugarcane juice, flowers and more. The event was guided by a battery of priests.
The statue was cleaned with water, specially decorated with flowers, and special puja was performed after the Mastakabhisheka. Nandi is a popular tourist attraction as people visiting the temple atop the hills do not miss the chance to see it.
The first Mastakabhisheka to the Nandi was performed in 2006. The statue is reckoned to be about 340 to 360 years old and is said to be sculpted following a directive by then ruler Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar. It is about 15 ft in height and 18 to 20 ft in length.
