Thousands of devotees thronged Shiva temples in the city, to offer puja on the occasion of Shivaratri festival, on Thursday. The devotees also observed fasting, meditation and chanted prayers throughout the day.
The 11-kg golden mask (Kolaga) was adorned to the presiding deity at Trineshwara Swamy temple on Mysuru Palace premises.
The mask was brought out from the District Treasury on Wednesday. The deity was decked up with a variety of flowers. Thousands of people had darshan of the deity from dawn-to-dusk.
There was celebration at Suttur Mutt branch at the foot of Chamundi Hill, Hosamutt, Kuderu Mutt and other religious centres. Special programmes like bhajans and devotional songs were organised as part of the celebration.
Kamakameshwari Temple on Ramanuja Road was decorated for the festivities. Various religious and cultural events were organised. Likewise, special events were organised at 108 Shivalinga temple at Gurukula.
Celebrations were grand at Chandramouleshwara temple at Matru Mandali Circle, Mukkaneshwara temple on Ashoka Road, Prasanna Visveshwaraswami temple at Chamarajapuram, Amruteshwara Temple on Dewans Road, and Nageshwara Bhogeshwaraswami temple on Bogadi road.
A Shivalinga measuring 21-foot in height, made of coconuts by Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya on Lalitha Mahal Ground was a major attraction. It will be kept for public viewing until March 13, between 6 am and 10 pm.