Vairamudi Festival in Melkote, Karnataka

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Vairamudi Festival

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About:

The Vairamudi Festival is an annual Hindu festival celebrated with grandeur in Karnataka, primarily at the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote, Mandya district. The highlight of the festival is the adornment of the deity, Lord Cheluvanarayana Swamy, with the sacred crown, known as "Vairamudi" (diamond crown), which is believed to have a divine origin. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the beautiful deity in his jeweled crown, seeking blessings and spiritual fulfillment. The festival takes place during the months of March or April.

Vairamudi Festival, KarnatakaVairamudi Festival is celebrated in the Melkote district of Karnataka. During this festival the principal deity of the district, Lord Cheluvarayaswamy, is worshipped. He is also popular as Chellapillai amongst the local people. Being one of the most auspicious places Melkote receives devotees from all over the state coming to participate in Vairamudi Festival. Several legends are associated with this festival in Karnataka. Devotees wait in front of the temple from early morning to catch a glimpse of the god. It is believed that one look at the lord can free them of all their miseries, purify them and help them to achieve salvation.As per legends Vairamudi or the crown belonged to Lord Aniruddha. He dwelt in Kshirasagara.

Location info:

The festival is held at the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote, a small town in the Mandya district of Karnataka, located about 150 km from Bangalore and 50 km from Mysore. Melukote is a well-known pilgrimage site and cultural heritage town in Karnataka.

Climate/Weather:

In March-April, the weather in Melukote is generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The evenings are relatively cooler, making it comfortable for attending evening processions and events.

History:

The Vairamudi Festival has a long history rooted in legend. The Vairamudi crown is said to have been presented to the deity by Lord Vishnu himself and has been part of temple rituals for centuries. The crown was hidden away for safekeeping and retrieved by King Raja Wodeyar, who then arranged an annual festival for it to be displayed. The festival celebrates devotion to Lord Vishnu and showcases Karnataka’s traditional rituals, which have been passed down for generations.

Importance:

Vairamudi is an annual mainly festival when the devout fast all day . It is also a day of feasting for the eyes of almost two laks of devotees of Seluva Naarayana , the presiding deity of the ancient temple at the sleepy town of Melkote . These devotees assemble at Melkote known also as Thirunarayana Puram on this day for having the darsan of their Lord adorning the legendary diamond-studded crown , the Vaira Mudi . Seluva Narayana adorns

Method of Celebration:

Vairamudi Brahmotsava:
Large number of devotees throng Mandhya district, on the previous night to witness the Procession of the Lord. The whole town of Mandhya prepares for the event.The preparation for the Brahmotsava starts well before 2 weeks. Actual celebrations take place for 13 days. Garudotsava is celebrated a day before the Brahmotsava at Melkote. The district administration of Mandhya makes rigorous arrangements for bringing the Vairamudi crown from Mandhya treasury to the temple amidst stringent security measures. It is believed that the crown must not be exposed to daylight. Hence it will be placed in a special casket. Under vigilance of Mandhya police it arrives at the boundaries of the town. It is from here taken upto the temple with honors in a special palanquin. It reaches the temple by evening.The crown is placed in front of sanctum of Sri Acharya Ramanuja and the head priest places the Vaira Mudi and fits it to the statue of the Lord Cheluva Narayana.

Culture of Festivities:

The tradition of celebrating this festival dates back to 100 years. This festival is celebrated on the fourth day of Brahmotsavam. On this day the deities of Vishnu, Sridevi and Bhudevi are decorated with flowers. It is believed that the crown should not be seen during daytime. However, according to researchers Lord Cheluvarayaswamy was a scholar of Vedas. Vairamudi Festival, Karnataka is celebrated to mark his mastery of Vedic knowledge.

The festive mood is always in the air for Karnataka. This state is always filled with charm, grace and significance that can be witnessed in its festivals. The vibes that have been created by the festivals of Karnataka have become successful in depicting the religious and cultural aspects of the state. Among them, a highly well known festival is the Vairamudi festival.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station: Pandavapura is the closest railway station (20 km from Melukote). Mysore and Mandya are also nearby railway stations.

Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, around 50 km away, or Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, around 150 km away.

Road Transport: Melukote is well-connected by road, with regular buses available from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mandya. Taxis can also be hired for direct travel.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Mayura, Mysore: A budget-friendly option located in Mysore. Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden, Mysore: A luxury option for travelers visiting the region. KSTDC Guest Houses, Melukote: Managed by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, offering basic lodging for pilgrims.