Security being tightened for Ugadi at Srisailam Temple

ANANTAPUR: In view of violence indulged in by devotees from Karnataka last year during Ugadi celebrations, Srisailam temple authorities, along with police, are making special arrangements at the Lord Malikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bramarambika Shrine this year.

Tens of thousands of devotees arrive at the Srisailam temple from Karnataka and Maharashtra for Ugadi, many of them by padayatra. As per tradition, they arrive at the temple and offer a saree to Goddess Bramarambika, whom they consider as their daughter, and invite Her to their home along with son-in-law Lord Malikarjuna Swamy.

Many of the devotees from the two states are charged up in devotion as they arrive. Temple authorities as well as local shopkeepers find it difficult to deal with them.

During the last Ugadi festival, several devotees suffered serious injuries following a clash between devotees from Karnataka and local shop owners closer to the temple premises. Both AP and Karnataka authorities had to get involved. Some of the injured had been sent to their native places in ambulances after providing treatment locally.

Srisailam temple executive officer (EO) S. Lavanna held a review meeting in this regard with temple employees. They discussed arrangements to be made for Ugadi, which will be celebrated from March 19 to March 23.

Lavanna said during Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams, they had made arrangements for the padayatra by devotees through the Nallamala forests. The same will be continued for devotees from Maharashtra and Karnataka who will be coming by walk during the Ugadi.

In particular, devotees from Bidar, Gulbarga and Belgaum in Karnataka and border towns of Maharashtra walk to Srisailam with “kavadias” every year.

“Every Ugadi, we come here to pray to the Goddess, whom we treat as ‘Maha Shakti’. She blesses us and protects our houses,” says Nagendra, a devotee from Gulbarga area in Karnataka.