A sea of faith has descended upon the sacred Anjanadri Hills in Gangavathi, Koppal district, as the annual Hanuma Mala dissolution ceremony commenced on Monday night. Drawing thousands of devotees from across Karnataka, the event transforms the site, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, into a vibrant hub of spirituality and devotion over two days.
Sacred Rituals and Massive Preparations
The devotional journey follows a profound sequence. Pilgrims first take a purifying bath at the foothills before embarking on the arduous 575-step climb to seek darshan of Lord Anjaneya. After offering their prayers, devotees discard their garlands, a symbolic act of dissolution, outside the temple before descending. The district administration, anticipating a staggering footfall of at least two lakh devotees, has left no stone unturned in its arrangements. A colossal feast awaits the pilgrims near the Vedapatha Shala.
Deputy Commissioner Suresh B Itnal, who is personally monitoring the event, stated that various committees have been formed to prevent any problems for the attendees. The scale of the community kitchen is monumental. Gangavathi Tahsildar U Nagaraj revealed that 40 women volunteers and 10 cooks worked tirelessly for ten days to prepare the massive spread. A dedicated team of 150 staff members oversees the cooking operations at the 10 food counters set up under a huge pandal.
The menu for the devotees is both simple and satisfying, featuring:
- Kesari baath
- Wheat payasam
- Rice with sambar
- Tomato chutney
Safety, Security, and a Green Initiative
Given that the Anjanadri Hills are surrounded by rocky terrain inhabited by wildlife such as leopards, bears, and hyenas, authorities have issued a strict caution to devotees against venturing out alone. To ensure round-the-clock safety and assistance, a dedicated police helpline has been launched. The entire site is under CCTV surveillance for enhanced security.
In a significant environmental move, the district administration has imposed a plastic ban at Anjanadri for the first time. On the healthcare front, the District Health and Family Welfare Department has deployed three ambulances and kept seven teams of doctors on standby 24/7 to handle any medical emergencies.
Tech and Traffic Management
Embracing technology for smoother management, SP Dr. Ram L Arasiddi announced the development of a special mobile application. This app provides pilgrims with crucial real-time information on parking availability and other important updates, helping to manage the enormous influx of people and vehicles.
The spiritual festivities will extend beyond the hills. On Wednesday, various Hindu organisations are scheduled to bring out a grand procession and hold a public meeting in Gangavathi town, further amplifying the celebratory atmosphere. The meticulous planning by the Koppal district administration aims to ensure that this profound act of faith proceeds smoothly, safely, and sustainably for every devotee.
