Anantapur: All is set for Kadiri Rathotsavam at the Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple at Kadiri in Satya Sai district, scheduled for March 13, Monday. The Rathotsavam is cited as one of the biggest festivals in the country. The authorities expect a turnout of five lakh devotees from AP, Karnataka and Telangana for the devotional events.
As the mada streets of the temple were congested and the big car would be taken out in a procession across all the streets, the endowment, police and civic authorities have been busy making the necessary arrangements and ensuring safety for the gala event.
Satya Sai district SP Rahuldev Singh said additional forces have been posted for the bandobast. This would be the first time the events are held after the formation of the new district.
The centuries-old Lord Narasimha Swamy temple rathotsavam is an important occasion for devotees. The big chariot will be taken out in a procession by devotees; they pulling the long ropes specially made by experts from the coastal area.
In addition, the Narasimha swamy temple has a special reputation for forging Hindu-Muslim unity. The local Muslims have a centuries-old tradition of offering pepper to the deity on the day of the Rathotsavam.
As per legend, Lord Narasimha emanates from the roots of a Khadri tree. After killing demon Hiranya Kasyapa, the rage of the Lord Narasimha Swamy did not disappear and He roamed around the forests. Prahaladha, along with other devotees, prayed to the Lord and this helped Him calm down at this location. “It is believed that Lord Narasimha Swamy stayed at the roots of Chanda Vruksha,” a devotee noted.
The inscriptions in the temple relate mostly to the Vijayanagar period when the East, South, North and West Rajagopurams were erected. Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya and Maharashtra King Shivaji Maharaj had visited this region and constructed the Mahishasuramardini temple.
Traffic was diverted at several parts of Kadiri town for vehicles coming from Bangalore-Pulivendula on Monday, officials said.
