Kalyanotsavam Celebrated in Srisailam

Kurnool: The Srisailam temple celebrated the grand Kalyanotsavam of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi on Tuesday night, marking Sankranti. Chenchu tribes were invited as guests of honour, with around 300 families from Nandyal, Palnadu, and Prakasam districts attending in traditional attire.

Temple executive officer M. Srinivasa Rao highlighted the Chenchus’ historic ties to the temple, noting their reverence for Goddess Bhramaramba as a "close relative" and Lord Mallikarjuna as their son-in-law. The event included rituals such as Mandaparadhana, Panchavaranarchana, and Rudrahomam, concluding with Shayanotsavam and Ekantha Seva.

Approximately 2 lakh devotees attended the Kalyanotsavam, with darshan taking 3-6 hours. On Wednesday, the Kanuma festival was marked by Gopuja Mahotsavam at the Sri Gokulam, where priests performed rituals for world welfare. Cows were adorned with new clothes and offered prayers, while Lord Krishna’s idol was worshipped at the Gosamrakshana Shala.

In the evening, the Vahana Seva featured Swamy and Ammavaru on the Ravana Vahanam, blessing devotees. Decorated at the Akkamahadevi Alankara Mandapam, the deities were taken on a procession through temple streets amid folk performances and cultural activities, concluding the festivities with Grama Utsavam.