Most famous Panchalinga Darshan from Monday

Mysore,Nov 14: Come November 16, all roads will lead to the temple town Talakad in this historic Mysore district,which is set to embrace the biggest spiritual carnival – Panchalinga Darshana.The district administration is working overtime giving finishing touches to various works undertaken to provide hospitality to the estimated 15 lakh devotees gather from across South India.Mr Krishna Dixit, chief priest of the group of Talakad temples, told INN here on Saturday that the auspicious muhutha falls on the wee hours of Monday when priests will conduct Mahabhisheka from 2 am.

The auspicious darshan timings are from 4.30 am to 12 in the midnight of Monday-Tuesday.For the first time ever, the district administration has unveiled easy “panchalinga darshana” for devotees. Restricting the entry of private vehicles and other political influence inside Talakad, the administration has created 26-km circuit with three bypasses wherein 60 KSRTC buses will be shuttling all the time carrying devotees at free of cost.Mr P Manivannan,Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Panchalinga Darshan, said that the circuit would ease out the traffic congestion and commotion. A total of 12 temporary bus stations have been set-up at strategic points.

 The devotees will have to park their vehicles at these bus stations and travel in the circuit buses for the darshan. The KSRTC is also plying 250 special buses from Mysore to Talakad.He said that all approach roads for Talakad have been asphalted and upgraded to the standard of State Highway with Rs 37 crore. Besides, Rs 10 crore was spent to provide drinking water, emergency services, hygiene and dasoha. In addition, permanent assets are being created at a cost of Rs 70 crore. Tenders have already been invited in this regard.The Superintendent of Police, Mr Ramsubha, said that nearly 3,500 police personnel were deployed for the event.The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) has constructed temporary bridge near ”Sana Ghatt” on the banks of River Cauvery for safety of devotees and rescue motor boats and life savers attached to KSRP would kept in standby in case of emergency.All hotels in Talakad were instructed to maintain hygiene.