Siva temples across Chittoor, Annamayya, Sathya Sai witness good devotee turnout

Mahasivaratri was observed across Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai districts on Sunday, with large gathering of devotees at Siva temples from the early hours on Sunday. Devotees continued to arrive till late at night for darshan and special pujas. Police and Revenue officials were deployed at major temples to manage crowds and traffic.

In Chittoor district, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Moghileswara Swamy temple on the Chittoor-Bengaluru national highway. Special pujas, including ‘Rudrabhishekam and Maha Abhishekam’, were performed throughout the day. Steady crowds were also seen at Siva temples near Kaigal Falls, the hill temple at Mallappakonda, and the ancient Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple at Nagari. Devotees participated in the night-long ‘jagarana’ prayers. Barricades and queue lines were put in place to avoid overcrowding.

In Annamayya district, Siva temples in Rayachoti and Madanapalle divisions reported good turnout. The Mallaiahkonda temple and the Veerabhadra Swamy temple were among the prominent centres of worship. ‘Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam’, Vedic chanting and annadanam programmes were also organised. Separate queues were arranged for women and senior citizens.

In Sri Sathya Sai district, devotees thronged the Doddeswara Swamy temple and Siddheswara Swamy temple at Hemavathi. The Veerabhadra Swamy temple also saw heavy footfall.

Meanwhile, APSRTC ran additional buses to the temple towns. Traffic diversions and parking arrangements were made at sensitive points. Officials said the festival passed off peacefully.