‘Kumbotsavam’ celebrations set for April 7 at Srisailam

The annual ‘Kumbotsavam’ will be performed at Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam on April 7 (Tuesday).

Temple executive officer (EO) M. Srinivasa Rao said the event is performed in the month of ‘Chaitram’ every year and pumpkins, coconuts and lemons will be offered as ‘satvik bali’ (non violent sacrificial offerings) instead of animals. Temple priests will offer special pujas in the morning, including ‘Ashtottara Shatanama Kumkuma’ puja and others in ‘ekantham.’

Later, coconuts, pumpkins and lemons will be offered to goddess Bhramaramba, while coconuts will be offered to goddess Mahisasura Mardini at Harihararaya Gopuram. In the evening, ‘Annabhisekham’ will be offered to Mallikarjuna Swamy. On the occasion, ‘Mahanivedana’ with various food items will be offered to the goddess.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that animal sacrifice is banned in the temple town and action will be taken against those practicing or encouraging it. Special duties have been assigned to temple officials, who coordinate with the local Revenue and Police departments, to prevent animal sacrifice, he said.

The APSRTC officials were directed not to allow devotees coming to Srisailam carry any animals in the buses and notice boards have been set up across the town warning of action against animal sacrifice. As high devotee turnout is expected on the day of Kumbotsavam, Mr. Srinivasa Rao asked the temple officials to maintain queue lines and prevent any possible stampede-like situations.