Arudrotsava Kalyanam begins at Nataraja Swamy temple in Vijayawada

The three-day Arudrotsava Kalyanotsavams commenced with religious fervour at the Sri Shiva Kamakshi Sundari Sametha Nataraja Swamy Temple atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Friday (January 02, 2026). The annual festival will continue till January 04 under the auspices of the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam.

The festivities began in the morning with Mangala Snanam and ceremonial decoration of Sri Nataraja Swamy and Sri Shiva Kamakshi Sundari Devi as the divine bride and groom.

As part of the festival schedule, Ankurarpana, Agni Pratishthapana, Dhwajarohana and Baliharana was held on Friday evening. On Saturday, Maha Kalyanam, homams, and the Arudrotsava Abhishekam will be conducted, followed by Annabhishekam late at night. On Sunday, devotees can witness Uttara Dwara Darshanam in the early hours, Purnahuti rituals, and a grand Nagarotsavam in the evening.

The temple authorities said the Arudrotsavam holds special significance, as Nataraja temples are rare in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh.

Special pujas were performed in the presence of Executive Officer V.K. Seena Nayak, members of the donor family of the Nataraja Swamy temple, including Leela Nageswari and her family. Chief Priest Lingambotla Durga Prasad, Assistant priest Kota Prasad and other temple priests participated in the rituals.

Temple authorities invited devotees to participate in large numbers and seek divine blessings during the sacred festivities. Temple  Authorities said, inspired by divine will, donors initiated the construction of the Nataraja Swamy temple atop Indrakeeladri in 1954.

The temple houses exquisitely sculpted idols of Sri Vighneswara Swamy, Sri Nataraja Swamy, Sri Shiva Kamakshi Sundari Devi, Nandiswara and Chandiswara, carved out of Chandrashila stone, on the lines of the famed Chidambaram temple. A Natya Mandapam and Kalyana Mandapam were also constructed as part of the temple complex.