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Chaamundeshwaree Devee

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Chaamundeshwaree Devee Temple

There is this Chaamundeshwaree Temple on Chaamundee Hill, in Mysore, Karnaatak

Honor of Guard to Devee
On will be surprised to know that a Guard of Honor, usually presented to visiting dignitaries by the Police, is being accorded since ages to Devee Chaamundeshwaree at the temple atop Chaamundee Hill here. She is learnt to be the only deity receiving this honor twice everyday. Everyday, the Police are learnt to present the Guard of Honor at 9.30 am and 8.30 pm. On regular and normal days, an armed Police Constable presents the Honor and it will be by two cops on special occasions.

The concept originated about 50 years ago and executed by the Police has a history of centuries. During the days of Mahaaraajaa, the Honor was said to be called Varjit and was said to be presented by Palace Sepoys before Nada Devate Chaamundeshwaree. The legend says, it began way back in 1399. According to the historian PV Nanjaraje Urs, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar began the custom of presenting the Guard of Honor to Devee Chaamundeshwaree, the way it was being presented to the Mahaaraajaa. Several Sepoys would line up at the entrance of Mysore Palace and present the Guard of Honor to the Goddess. With the exit of Mahaaraajaa' rule and democracy setting in, Police personnel began presenting this Honor. Temple priests Sridhar Dikshit and Srinivasan say that the Police present the Honor and prays with their arms, the way devotees offer prayers with beating of cymbals and ringing of bells.