Devotees Flock to Srikalahasti for Grand Rathotsavam Amid Religious Fervour
Devotees pull chariots in a spiritually charged atmosphere as Brahmotsavams reach their peak.
Tirupati: A sea of devotees thronged the temple town of Srikalahasti on Thursday to witness the Rathotsavam during the annual Brahmotsavams at the revered Srikalahastheeswara Swamy temple.
The grand procession started with Lord Shiva accompanied by Gangadevi placed in one chariot and Goddess Gnanaprasunamba in another parading through the temple’s Mada streets.
The 7th day’s celebrations commenced in the wee hours of Thursday with the Lingodbhava Maha Abhishekam, which attracted a large gathering, including VIPs. The Rathotsavam event began in the morning with puja rituals performed by MLA Bojjala Sudheer, temple priests and officials before the chariots began rolling.
Devotees pulled the chariots along the four mada streets, chanting 'Hara Hara Mahadeva' and 'Om Namah Shivaya', creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
The Rathotsavam, regarded as Brahma Ratham, holds special significance. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself leads the procession. Thousands of devotees participated in the show with devotion, while the float festival at Narada Pushkarini in the evening drew large crowds, adding to the festive spirit.
MLA Sudheer and executive officer Bapi Reddy, along with collector Venkateswar, SP Harshavardhan and others monitored the arrangements. Security measures were tight for the Rathotsavam as also the upcoming Kalyanotsavam.
In a move to facilitate easier darshan, the temple administration cancelled the Rs 50 entrance ticket and arranged two lines for Sarva Darshan, allowing faster movement. Devotees were provided with buttermilk, water, biscuit packets and a small laddu, while special arrangements were made for the elderly and mothers with newborns.
Preparations are on for the Kalyanotsavam of Vayulingeswara Swamy and Gnana Prasunamba scheduled for early Saturday. The deities will be taken in a procession on Adhikara Nandi Vahanam and Kamadhenu Vahanam. Police and revenue officials remain on high alert to ensure peace and avert attempts at child marriages during the festivities.
