The historic Sri Yoganarasimhaswamy Temple in Vijayanagar, Mysuru, is abuzz with activity as it prepares for a monumental and sweet start to the New Year. The temple administration is gearing up to distribute a staggering two lakh ladoos as prasada to devotees who visit on January 1, 2024. This annual event has become a signature New Year celebration in the cultural capital of Karnataka, drawing thousands in a display of devotion and community sharing.
A Sweet Tradition Inspired by a Matinee Idol
The roots of this massive sweet distribution trace back to a suggestion from none other than Kannada cinema legend, Dr. Rajkumar. In November 1993, during a family visit to the temple, the actor observed that many devotees could not travel to Tirupati for the famous Tirupati laddu. He shared this thought with the temple's pontiff, Bhasyam Swami, and proposed starting a similar seva (service) at the Yoganarasimhaswamy Temple.
Acting promptly on this idea, the temple began the distribution the very next year, in 1994, albeit on a modest scale with just 1,000 laddoos. Recalling the inception, Geetha Govindaraju, a family member of the late actor, expressed that the family continues to visit the temple regularly. She described it as profoundly gratifying to witness Dr. Rajkumar's simple wish being fulfilled and growing magnificently with each passing year.
Round-the-Clock Preparations for a Grand Offering
Transforming this vision into reality requires immense effort. Since December 20, a dedicated team of over 100 experienced cooks has been working tirelessly in shifts, around the clock, to prepare the sacred offering. The scale this year is particularly impressive and includes two varieties of the sweet treat:
- 10,000 jumbo ladoos, each weighing approximately 2 kilograms.
- Two lakh smaller ladoos, each weighing about 150 grams.
In addition to this sugary delight, the temple will also serve 50 quintals of puliyogare (tamarind rice) to devotees on New Year's Day, ensuring a complete prasada experience.
Logistics for the Big Day
With an enormous crowd expected for the special New Year darshan, the temple authorities have planned an early start to the distribution to manage the flow smoothly. The handing out of the ladoo prasada is scheduled to begin as early as 4:00 AM on January 1. This early commencement aims to accommodate the thousands of devotees who throng the temple to seek blessings and partake in this beloved tradition, marking the beginning of the year with faith and a shared sweet moment.
The Sri Yoganarasimhaswamy Temple's ladoo distribution stands as a beautiful example of a community-driven tradition born from a star's empathy. It has evolved from a simple idea into a grand annual spectacle that not only fulfills a devotional purpose but also strengthens the cultural fabric of Mysuru, offering a uniquely sweet welcome to the New Year.
