The Mysuru district administration has completed elaborate preparations to manage the expected surge of devotees visiting the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills during the four Ashada Fridays and the Chamundeshwari Vardhanti celebrations.
Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, who chaired a preparatory meeting atop Chamundi Hills on Tuesday, said the four Ashada Fridays will be observed on July 17, 24 and 31, and August 7, while Chamundeshwari Vardhanti will be celebrated on August 4.
KSRTC shuttle buses will operate from the temporary bus stand at the foothills and the KSRTC City Bus Stand from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. on all four Ashada Fridays as well as on the intervening Saturdays and Sundays. Devotees trekking up the hill will be allowed to begin their climb only after 5 a.m., and the public has been advised not to arrive before the permitted time, the DC said.
The administration has arranged footwear deposit counters only at the temporary bus stand at the foothills and the KSRTC City Bus Stand. No footwear stand will be available on Chamundi Hill, and devotees have been advised to make use of these facilities before proceeding to the temple.
VIPs and other dignitaries covered under protocol will be permitted darshan only between 5.30 a.m. and 10 a.m. After 10 a.m., entry of all VIP vehicles to Chamundi Hills will be prohibited, Mr. Reddy said.
Private vehicles will be completely barred from entering Chamundi Hills on all Ashada Fridays and on Chamundeshwari Vardhanti. Only vehicles carrying valid duty passes will be allowed.
A dedicated control room will be set up to monitor both the general and ₹2,000 special darshan queues and ensure smooth crowd management.
The control room will be jointly manned by officials from the Mysuru City Police, KSRTC, and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority. Officials have been directed to prevent overcrowding, ensure that only valid ticket holders enter the ₹2,000 darshan queue, and display real-time information on the estimated waiting time for darshan.
The Deputy Commissioner also instructed officials to provide adequate mobile toilets, drinking water facilities and waste bins at key locations, besides appointing nodal officers to monitor essential amenities for devotees.
Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Yukesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioners of Police Harsha Priyavardhan and Sundar Raj, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority Secretary Roopa, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Published - July 14, 2026 07:18 pm IST