Srisailam Witnesses Huge Rush of Devotees for Koti Somavaram Celebrations

Kurnool: The Srisailam temple witnessed a huge influx of devotees on Sunday, marking Koti Somavaram and Sunday. Pilgrims had a sacred bath in Pushkarini and offered special prayers to Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Ammavaru.

The temple authorities made elaborate arrangements to facilitate devotees during these auspicious days of the Kartika month. Devotees began visiting the temple in the early hours. Darshan arrangements were made to ensure everyone could visit Swamy and Ammavaru.

The shrine opened at 3am after the pratah kala pujas, offering darshans between 3am and 4:30am. Darshans continued until 4pm and it resumed from 5:30 in the evening. The Arjita Chandi Homa and Rudra Homa were held in two stages.

For convenience of the devotees, Garbhalaya Arjita Abhishekam and Samuhika Arjita Abhishekam were suspended during the Kartika month. On Sunday, only the Alankara darshan of Swamy and Ammavaru was allowed. During the entire month of Kartika, the sparsha darshan of Mallikarjuna Swamy stopped, while the alankara darshan was allowed.

Special duties were assigned to heads of departments, supervisors and other staff members to ensure smooth functioning of the temple. Temple executive officer kept a close watch for smooth conduct of the darshan and the Arjita Seva queue lines.

On Monday, the Devasthanam conducts the Lakshdeepotsavam and Pushkarini Harathi, a festival that includes the installation of lamps throughout the Pushkarini premises.

Dashavidha Haratis will also be offered to Swamy and Ammavaru on Monday evening from 6:30pm at Pushkarini, as per temple traditions. Prior to the event, special pujas will be performed, offering the Utsava Murthys of Swamy, Ammavaru and Pushkarini.

Various haratis, including Omkara Harati, Naga Harati, Trisula Harati, Nandi Harati, Simha Harati, Surya Harati, Chandra Harati, Kumbha Harati, Nakshatra Harati and Karpura Harati will be the highlights of the day.