Karthika Masam Drawing Devotees to Srisailam

Kurnool: Srisailam Temple is witnessing a surge in devotees over the past few days, with weekend holidays and the Karthika Somavaram on Monday. The devout are taking a dip in the Patala Ganga as part of their Karthika Snanam, before having their darshan at the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.

Devotees are thronging the temple not only from both the Telugu states but also from Karnataka and other regions. Visiting the Jyothirlinga Kshetram during the Karthika month is considered auspicious by the devout. Temple authorities have arranged queue lines, drinking water and other facilities necessary for the visiting devotees.

Saturday witnessed heightened security, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and union civil aviation minister landing in the Srisailam reservoir on a seaplane before having the darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba.

Aghori Naga Sadhvi Offers Prayers at Srisailam

Kurnool: An Aghori Naga Sadhvi, dressed in saffron robes, had darshan of Lord Shiva at the Srisailam Temple on Sunday. The Sadhvi arrived from Atmakur in Nandyal on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, she took a holy bath in Patala Ganga located in the Telangana region. She later visited the Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Ammavaru temples. Locals and devotees gathered in large numbers upon hearing of her presence.

Speaking to media at Srisailam Samadhulu, the Sadhvi appealed to chief ministers of both Telugu states to work towards eradicating cow slaughter and preserving Sanatana Dharma. She wanted an end to atrocities against women and girls.

Earlier on November 7, security personnel at Srikalahasti stopped her from entering the Siva Temple. Reportedly distressed, she attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on herself and her vehicle. Police personnel checked her from doing so.

Later, Atmakur DSP Ramanji Naik arranged a security team led by sub-inspector Subbareddy to prevent any disruptions during her visit.

Two Held for Flying Drones over Temple

Kurnool: Srisailam police took two individuals into custody on Sunday evening for operating drones over the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, where drone usage is prohibited. The temple's security personnel spotted the drones and apprehended the suspects. The individuals, both from Srisailam, were handed over to the police for further investigation. Srisailam Town circle inspector P. Prasad Rao confirmed their detention and stated that an inquiry is underway.