Sea of devotees throng Srisailam on Maha Shivaratri

Along with daily rituals like Mandaparadhanam, Panchavaranarchana, Shiva Panchakshari, Nitya Havanam, Rudra Homam and Chandi Homam, the Prabhotsavam was conducted during the day. In this ritual, a Prabha (a decorated structure similar to a chariot) is adorned with flowers and taken in a procession around the temple, accompanied by Mangala Vadyam and other cultural performances.

As part of the Vahana Seva, the deities were placed on the Nandi Vahanam.

Maha Shivaratri celebrations echoed across all Shaivite temples in the erstwhile Kurnool district, with devotees chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" and "Harara Maha Deva." Thousands of pilgrims thronged temples such as the Mahanadeeswara Swamy temple in Mahanandi, the Nagareswara Swamy temple in Kurnool, the Bugga Rameshwara Swamy temple in Kalvabugga, the Jaganatha Swamy temple at B Thandrapadu in Kurnool, the Eswara temple in Yaganti (Nandyal), and the Bala Tripurasundari Devi and Tripurantheswara Swamy temple in Tripuranthakam (Prakasam district).

Other temples, including Suryanandi, Omkaram, Rudrakoduru and Kolanu Bharathi were also packed with devotees.

At 10pm, the Lingodbhavakala Maha Rudrabhishekam will be performed with water from Mallikagundam, Panchamritam and various fruits. After this, the unique ritual of Paagalankaranam took place at midnight.

This ritual involves placing a specially woven cap (Paaga) on the Garbhalaya Vimana Sikharam of the temple, connecting it to the Nandis on the Mukha Mandapam. One performing this ritual must be undressed, so the temple authorities turn off the power while it is being done.

This year, the Paaga was prepared by weaver Prudhvi Subba Rao from Hastinapura village in Chirala mandal. Following this, the Kalyanotsavam of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba were to be performed at midnight.