Summary:
Following the conclusion of the ritual the Vairamudi returns to the confines of a casket that is guarded under tight security in the Mandya district treasury. Custom dictates that the crown ‘Vairamudi’, which is placed on the brows of the Sri Chelvanarayanaswamy deity on this occasion must be removed before the rays of the Sun graze the Earth. Mandya: It is a ritual with a legacy dating back to a thousand years, and the celebrations remain true to this rich heritage in both spirit and letter. The annual ‘Sri Vairamudi Brahmotsava’ that was held in Melukote in Mandya district, was celebrated on Sunday with the customary spiritual fervour, with the hill shrine reverberating with the incantatory rhythms of Vedic hymns, while prayers offered by the thousands of devotees who flocked to the Sri Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple punctuated the chanting.The rituals, which include a procession around the massive temple situated at the summit of Melukote, commenced at 8pm on Sunday, and will last till dawn on Monday. The belief is that the rays of the Sun would tarnish the complexion of the idol, thereby boding ill for mankind.Vairamudi finds mention in epics stretching across the many Yugas (epochs) in Hindu mythology – Tretayuga, Dwaparayuga and Kaliyuga.The other traditional belief associated with the annual festival is that the consecrated crown is not to be touched by bare hands while it adorns the idol of Sri Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple..