Hassan: The historic Hasanamba temple, which opens once in a year, in the city opened for devotees for 13 days on Thursday. The temple doors would be closed on October 29.
On the first day, the sanctum sanctorum would be cleaned and given a fresh coat of paint. The ornaments will be brought from the district treasury and adorned on the presiding deity. Hence, there will be no darshan for the public on the first day. However, the devotees will be allowed to offer obeisance from the early morning of October 18.
Puja and offering of naivedya to the deity has been limited to two hours every day and there will be no darshan during the time.
A chariot, depicting the story of Saptamatrukas and Hasanamba Ratha will travel in all seven taluks of the district from October 18. The puranas of the deity would be explained at prominent circles of towns and villages and, the artistes will render songs on Hasanamba.
The district administration has made all arrangements for the festival, which attracts lakhs of people from different parts of the state. Senior citizens and physically challenged persons would be allowed entry from the back of the temple. Temporary arrangements are made to protect the devotees from rain. Separate arrangements are made for the dignitaries to have darshan.
