Kurnool: The Swarna Rathotsavam was held to honour lord Mallikarjuna and goddess Bhramaramba in celebration of Arudra Nakshatram at Srisailam on Thursday. Temple priests and Vedic scholars adorned the ceremonial idols of lord Mallikarjuna and goddess Bhramaramba, mounting them on the golden chariot and decorating them with flowers.
The head of Srisailam peetham, Chenna Siddharama Panditaradhya Sivacharya Mahaswamy, attended the ceremony. Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakara Reddy, his wife, and Kovur legislator Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy, who donated the gold chariot, also participated.
In honour of Arudra Nakshatram, temple priests conducted Mahanyasa Purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam, Annabhishekam, and other special rituals for lord Mallikarjuna and goddess Bhramaramba. Before the Rathotsavam, the priests recited the Sankalpam, followed by special pujas. The Rathotsavam began from the temple's Mahadwaram and proceeded through the four Mada streets. Folk art forms, including kolatam and Chekka Bhajan, were performed during the Rathotsavam.
Executive officer of devasthanam, D. Peddiraju, his wife, priests, vedic scholars, department officials, supervisors, and staff participated. Temple authorities have decided to conduct the Swarna Rathotsavam monthly on the day of Arudra Nakshatram.
