Mahashivaratri Mysuru with its rich traditions and royal heritage and this moment of dedication, a holy space at the institution of the Sri Trineshwaraswamy Temple (in the premises of the Mysore Palace) is seen. At prayer, the temple officials delivered the 11‑kg golden mask of Lord Shiva, who is called Chinnada Kolaga, from the District Treasury under tight security. This mask will adorn the deity on February 15, celebrating Mahashivaratri in an enormous way.
The Chinnada Kolaga is made out of pure gold and weighs 11 kg. It is not worn every day but made available every year during Mahashivaratri. It’s a mask with a very long historic and spiritual meaning. It started as a vow by the royal family of Mysore before it was preserved under the jurisdiction of the government. Every year it is passed on to the temple priests for the festival, a sign of devotional reverence and continuity of old.
Special pujas and rituals are performed there on Mahashivaratri at the temple. Devotees may have darshan of the deity with the golden mask from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM and once more from 10 PM to midnight. The temple, which is part of the cluster under Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Abhivrudhi Pradhikara, takes on the role of a center of devotion and spiritual energy during this period.
The golden mask, adorned annually, has been more than just a ceremonial object – it symbolizes the culture of Mysuru and the faith of the devotee for years. For devotees, the sight of Lord Shiva adorned with the Chinnada Kolaga is considered very auspicious. It symbolizes purity, prosperity, and divine blessings. It is also a manifestation of the union among the Mysore Palace, the district administration and the temple that its sacred practice takes its practice year on year.
When Mahashivaratri arrives, the Sri Trineshwaraswamy Temple stands as a temple of devotion and heritage and faith, the spiritual as well as its worship of divine truth. The golden mask of Lord Shiva, now preserved with care and reverence, reminds you how the eternal link of faith and tradition is in all that we do. Mysuru, for all the festivalgoers, said this celebration is more than just a holiday, it is a living legacy for generations to come.
