Devotees throng Srisailam temple on Mahasivaratri

Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple reverberated with chants of ‘Om Namah Sivayah’ as thousands of devotees thronged Srisailam on the occasion of Mahasivaratri. All the Shiva temples — Mahanandi, Yaganti, Bugga Rameswara Swamy in Kalvabugga, and others witnessed huge devotee rush on the day.

Keeping with the tradition, the two main events of the 11-day Brahmotsavams, ‘Pagalankarana and Kalyanotsavam’, were performed at night.

Collector Rajakumari Ganiya, Superintendent of Police (SP) Suneel Sheoran, and temple officials monitored the arrangements for festivities throughout the day. Ms. Rajakumari said that darshan of the presiding deities started from 2.20 a.m. on Sunday and at least 2.50 lakh devotees visited the temple town on the day. Devotees believe that it is auspicious to stay in Srisailam for a night and the temple authorities had made arrangements for their stay.

Temple authorities said that at least 7,000 to 8,000 people, including Shiva Swamis and common devotees were facilitated darshan during the Pagalankarana. As the ‘Lingodbhavakala Maharudrabhisekham’ began, priests performed the Pagalankarana—the ceremonial tying of the bridegroom’s turban (Paga)—to signify the preparations for the ‘Kalyanam’ (celestial marriage). Priests tie the paga around the Nandi (bull) statues on the temple from Vimana Shikaram to Mukhamandapam.

‘Kalyanotsavam’ was performed at 12 a.m. at the Akka Mahadevi Alankara Mandapam in the presence of thousands of devotees. Earlier, the processional idols were carried in a procession atop the ‘Nandi Vahanam’.

Meanwhile, the district administration had arranged a 30-bedded hospital and seven ambulances, drinking water supply and other amenities for the convenience of the devotees. Drinking water and toilet facility was also made available for the devotees who trekked 46 km through the Nallamala forest area to reach Srisailam.

The APSRTC operated additional buses from both Nandyal and Kurnool districts headquarters and other towns to Srisailam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, and other temples at frequent intervals.