About 8 lakh devotees had visited the Hassanamba temple by Monday, November 2, afternoon, according to district administration officials, as crowds swelled during the annual jatra mahotsava. Temple revenue has reached Rs 6.5 crore, according to the headline of the source report.
Lakhs of worshippers gathered at the shrine on Tuesday, November 3, the fifth day of the festival. Tuesday, November 3, is regarded as an auspicious day for worshipping the presiding goddess, and turnout was especially high.
Pilgrims from across Karnataka have been arriving in Hassan to offer prayers.
Because of what authorities described as an unprecedented rush this year, devotees are being allowed to continue darshan even during the naivedya ritual, so the flow of visitors is not interrupted.
The district administration has set up separate queues for free darshan, for Gold Pass holders and for devotees buying tickets priced at Rs 1,000 and Rs 300. Queue arrangements stretch an estimated 10 to 12 km to manage the crowds.
Officials have also shortened the time slots for VIP and Gold Pass darshan so that more devotees can visit the temple.
The administration said all necessary arrangements had been made to minimise inconvenience and maintain order.