10 lakh attend kalyanamahotsavam' at Balkampet temple

 Hyderabad: A religious ceremony, the ‘kalyanamahotsavam’ of deity Renukadevi Ammavaru at Sri Yellam Pochamma Devalayam, popularly known as Balkampet Yelamma temple, went off on a grand scale on Tuesday, with over 10 lakh devotees in attendance, temple authorities said.

Devotees thronged the temple premises since the early hours, queuing up even before sunrise, they said, for the ‘kalyanamahotsavam’ event which started at 10.05 am.

Minister for animal husbandry, fisheries and cinematography Talasani Srinivas Yadav, representing the state government, presented silk clothes to the deity, offered prayers and sought blessings from the priests.

Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari also visited the temple on the day, while other prominent visitors include Deputy Mayor Srilata Shobhan Reddy and senior politician Marri Shashidhar Reddy.

The state government made the necessary arrangements for the event, while police maintained traffic diversions and volunteers ensured the safety of devotees and smooth flow in queues.

Devotees continued to throng the temple till midnight, when the report was filed, and was expected to continue till the early hours of Wednesday. Many were in attendance to fulfil vows, and offer coconuts and silk clothes.

The Balkampet temple is not only popular in the state, attracting visitors from across districts, but also throughout the country, with famous visitors including Neeta Ambani of Reliance Industries and cricket players of Mumbai Indians.

While proceedings were smooth for most of the day, a short circuit at the temple caused unrest during the afternoon.

The temple’s executive officer, S. Annapurna, said: “There was an electrical short circuit due to some overload. Immediately, the concerned technicians switched off that section, no harm took place.”

She said, “Since the early hours, devotees are visiting and taking the blessings of the Goddess. This rush will continue till the early hours of Wednesday. Till the last person visits, the temple doors will be open.”