All readied for Srirama Navami celebrations at Khammam

Khammam: In the wake of the Puttingal temple tragedy in Kerala, additional precautions have been taken at the Bhadrachalam temple where Srirama Navami celebrations would be held on Friday.

Ten fire engines have been placed at strategic locations in Mithila Stadium, where the celestial wedding would be performed. The teams have been brought from Khammam, Warangal and Karimnagar districts.

Though there is no fireworks show planned during the ritual, officials made elaborate security arrangements in view of the increasing mercury-level in Bhadrachalam and surrounding areas.

The fire engines have been filled with water and firefighting personnel will also be present with the vehicles for the next 36 hours. These apart,  25 hand firefighting devices have also been made available at Mithila Stadium, which can accommodate around 40,000 people.

A total of 3,000 police personnel from Warangal, Khammam, Karimnagar and Adilabad have been shifted to Bhadrachalam for security purpose. Police have been deployed in every nook and corner of the holy town to manage with the devotee rush and also deal with any untoward incident, in the wake of the bandh called by Maoists on Friday in protest against fake encounters by the Centre and the Chattisgarh government.

As part of the tradition, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao and his family members will offer 'mutyala talambralu' on behalf of the state government during the wedding.

Meanwhile, the citizens of Bhadrachalam are expecting an announcement from Mr Rao regarding development of the temple on par with that in Yadadri.
On Thursday, the 'edurkolu' ritual was held and the specialities of Lord Rama and goddess Sita, when they were dressed as the bridegroom and bride, have been detailed to the devotees by the priests at the temple.

After the wedding, mobile counters will be opened to distribute the sacred 'talambralu' to the devotees. Srirama Punarvasu Deeksha will commence on Srirama Navami day and the devotees taking the Deeksha will end it on May 11.
Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan will take part in Srirama Pattabhisehkam to be held on April 16.

illandakunta temple spruced up for navami

Karimnagar: The historic Sri Sitaramachan-dra Swamy temple at Illandakunta village in Jammikunta mandal has been decked up for the celestial wedding of Lord Rama with goddess Sita on Srirama Navami slated for April 15.

Around one lakh devotees are expected to throng the temple to witness the celestial fete. Finance and civil supplies minister Etela Rajender will present silk clothes and 'talambralu' (rice mixed with turmeric powder) to the principal deity of the temple and take part in festival. Karimnagar MP B. Vinod Kumar will also visit the temple.

Temple executive officer C.D. Rajeshwar said elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the celestial wedding. The shrine and the venue of the wedding have been illuminated with colourful electrical lamps and  and decked out with flowers of various hues.

All facilities including drinking water, shades, toilets and medical camps have been arranged for the devotees expected in huge number, the officer said.

On Thursday evening, the festivities began with the idols of Lord Rama and goddess Sita being brought to the outer temple. The wedding will be performed on Friday. The coronation (Pattabhishekam) of Lord Rama will be performed on April 16.

In addition, Suryarathotsvam and Chandrarathotsavam will be organised on April 21 and 22, respectively. Pushpayagam is scheduled on April 24.

The Srirama Navami festival will be celerbated with pomp and gaiety at the ancient temple. Devotees from Karimnagar and neighboring Warangal district would visit the temple in huge numbers to witness the celestial wedding.

The temple is located near two large trees, locally called Illendu trees, that are believed to have been sown by Lord Rama when he was performing rituals following the death of his father, Dasaradha, in Threta Yuga.

Former prime minister P. V. Narasimha Rao’s wedding was solemnised on the premises of the shrine.