Date:17/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/17/stories/2008011750050200.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Ambience that is ethereal

Special Correspondent

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

ONE LAKH OIL LAMPS: Lakshadeepotsava was celebrated at Srirangapatna to mark Makara Sankranti.

MYSORE: This is an annual event that coincides with Makara Sankranti. And, what is more, it is getting popular with each passing year thanks to the brilliant hue that light up the street leading to the majestic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangapatna.

It is the “Lakshadeepotsava” which entails lighting up over one lakh oil lamp in tradition that is lost in the antiquity of time. While the ancient temple is recognised as a major Vaishnava centre, it attracts devotees and tourists in large numbers throughout the year irrespective of religious creed and the number swells during Sankranti as “Lakshadeepotsava” is held only once every year.

As the day light begins to fade in the backdrop of the setting sun across the Cauvery which flows nearby and casts a yellow hue on the temple towers, the oil-lit lamps begin to burn brightly. The yellow hue gives way to a subdued orange colour and from the distance, the chimes of the temple bell comes wafting across the streets creating an ambience that is ethereal. The approach road to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is nearly 500 metres in length and the entire stretch was lit up with lamps as the pilgrims rush to participate in the annual event continued unabated. For the tourists visiting the spot for the first time the surrealistic image that unfolded was a photo opportunity not to be missed.

And, what is more, the number of people from Mysore making a beeline to the temple to get a darshan of Lord Ranganathaswamy on the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranti and Pongal, has increased over the years.