Devotees throng Srisailam on the auspicious Karthika Monday

Kurnool: A large number of devotees from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh visited Srisailam to observe the first Monday of the Karthika month. The temple complex was teeming with devotees right from dawn, as they offered prayers to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Ammavaru.

The Karthika month is considered to be an auspicious period for Hindus, and Srisailam is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations during this time.

This year, the first Monday of Karthika coincided with a public holiday, which led to an even larger turnout of devotees. The temple authorities had made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the large number of visitors, including setting up temporary shelters and providing food and water.

The devotees began their visit to the temples at 4 am, offering prayers and performing abhishekam. They also took a holy dip in the Krishna River, which flows through the Nallamalai Hills.

The temple was open from 3 am to 4.30 pm in the morning and from 5.30 pm to 9 pm in the evening. The temple authorities conducted special pujas and abhishekams throughout the day.

The temple authorities have suspended Garbhalaya abhishekam and Samukika Abhishekam during the Karthika month to facilitate darshan for all devotees.

Devasthanam also conducted Lakshdeepotsavam and Pushkarini Harathi on Monday, and Dashavidha Haratis were also offered to Swamy and Ammavaru in the evening from 6.30 pm at Pushkarini, following temple traditions.