Hassan, (Karnataka) Oct 23 (NationPress) K.S. Latha Kumari, the Deputy Commissioner of Hassan district, captivated the hearts of many by participating in the bold fire-walking ritual at the renowned Hasanamba Temple in Hassan city, Karnataka, on Thursday. Her involvement in this daring act has received widespread acclaim from attendees, and a video showcasing her walking over the searing coals has rapidly gained traction on social media.

The traditional 'Kendotsava' fire-walking ceremony took place early Thursday morning at the temple grounds following the public darshan of Goddess Hasanamba on the previous night.

Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari bravely walked barefoot over the glowing embers. The 'Kendotsava' ritual is a cherished part of the temple's long-standing traditions, performed before the annual closing of the sanctum sanctorum.

On Wednesday, the darshan for devotees concluded, and after the final rituals, the sanctum doors will remain closed until next year.

Prior to the sanctum's closure, the Siddeshwara Swamy chariot festival alongside the traditional fire-walking event was celebrated with immense devotion and festivity.

After successfully walking over the burning embers, Kumari shared with the media, “Witnessing devotees carry the sacred kalasha across the embers motivated me to join them. It was my first experience walking on fire. Initially, I felt apprehensive, but my faith in God compelled me to proceed. Thankfully, I emerged unscathed.”

Dressed in a pink 'churidar', she was supported by a senior devotee as she traversed the embers, and celebrated the momentous occasion after completing the walk.

The historic Hasanamba festival, a 13-day celebration in Hassan district, concluded on Wednesday, attracting around 26 lakh devotees, including notable personalities from the film industry and politics, who visited the temple for darshan of the deity. Through the sale of special darshan tickets and laddu prasad, temple authorities garnered a revenue of approximately Rs 20 crore.

The temple's doors opened on October 9 to initiate the Hasanamba Jatra Mahotsava, providing devotees their only chance to witness the deity during this annual event, as the temple remains closed for the rest of the year. An official statement regarding the total visitor count and earnings is forthcoming.

A remarkable aspect of the Hasanamba Temple is the preservation of offerings such as food and flowers, which astonishingly remain fresh for an entire year after being placed inside when the temple is closed. The traditional lamp in front of the deity also continues to burn during this period, reinforcing the belief in the goddess’s divine presence. The temple only opens for a few days during the Diwali season, serving as a testament to this miraculous preservation.