When the iconic Nandi atop Chamundi Hills came alive

Mastakabhisheka performed to the statue

Awash with colour: The iconic Nandi statue in various hues atop Chamundi Hills in Mysuru on Monday during the Mastakabhisheka.

The iconic Nandi statue on the Chamundi Hills was a treat to watch on Monday when a Mastakabhisheka was performed to the most-revered sculpture.

A large number of devotees thronged the Nandi temple since morning to witness the annual spectacle organised by a group of people who regularly climb the steps of the hills – ‘Chamundi Betta Mettalu Hattuva Balaga’.

The statue, which underwent a ‘special’ cleaning recently, was bathed in varieties of items such as milk, ghee and curd as part of the Abhisheka which was performed from an elevated platform.

The statue is reckoned to be sculpted during the regime of Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar about 350 years ago. The practice of performing ‘abhisheka’ to Nandi was rejuvenated about 10 years ago with regular climbers of the hills reviving the tradition which was said to be in vogue during the era of the Wadiyars.

The Mastakabhisheka to the Nandi commenced around 11 a.m. and the statue turned to different hues as milk, water-laced with sandal, curd, honey, vermilion and other ingredients flowed down. The Abhisheka was also performed from fruits, flowers and other ingredients.

Many tourists to the Chamundeshwari temple at the hilltop drove straight to the Nandi statue after learning about the event. The statue was decorated with flowers after the ‘abhisheka’ and a special puja was performed.