Tirupati: Thousands of devotees turned up in their colourful best to witness the Rathotsavam of Sri Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy at Ranganayakula Pet in Nellore on Thursday.
The historical temple in Nellore, noted for its ancient sculptures, is located on the banks of the Penna river. The temple, believed to be built by the Pallava rulers around the 7th or 8th Century AD, attracts thousands of devotees.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, Ranganatha Swamy is seen lying on his couch in the form of Anantha Sesha. The temple was rebuilt around the 12th Century during the reign of Simhapuri Raja Mahendra Varma.
Over seven decades ago, a concrete wall was built between the Dwajasthambham and the main entrance on the western side of the temple, to prohibit people’s entry to the sanctum sanctorum.
Another noteworthy feature is the open space on the western side of the shrine, through which the rays of the Sun reflected from River Pennar fall on the Vakshasthala of the presiding deity.
After giving silk robes to the Lord, former minister Anil Kumar Yadav ceremonially pulled the chariot for a while. The streets surrounding the temple were filled with devotees who came from various parts of the district to attend the Rathotsavam.
As per the legend, the Rathotsavam is attended by Lord Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy from Narasimhulu Konda. The temple authorities present silk robes to the Utsava deities at Talpagiri. In return, the Ranganatha Swamy temple administration offers robes to Narasimhulu Konda Utsava deities as part of the Edurukolu festival.
