Visakhapatnam: Temples across Visakhapatnam witnessed large crowds of devotees on the first Friday of the auspicious Sravana month with special pujas being conducted at Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple, Kanika Parmeswari temple and Durga temple. The day marked the beginning of a series of religious activities that will continue throughout the month, drawing thousands of worshippers to the city's prominent temples.
The Sravana month which runs from August 5 to September 3, is considered highly favourable for various religious observances. According to officials from Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple, the month's significance will peak with the Varalakshmi Vratam on August 16 and Sravana Pournami on August 19, both of which are expected to attract massive crowds. The four Fridays of Sravana on August 9, 16, 23, and 30 are anticipated to be especially busy with special pujas being conducted on each day.
At Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple, the Lakshmi Puja commenced early in the morning with Veda mantras. The temple conducted two batches of special Kavana Lakshmi pujas with 207 rituals performed in the name of devotees.
Kanika Parmeswari was adorned in a stunning pearl saree. The decorations were unveiled at 5 am, after which 108 items, including pure water, milk, curd, honey, sandalwood, turmeric, saffron, and various fruit juices, were offered to the main deity in the temple. Special pujas were performed for the goddess.
In Madhurawada Chandrapalem area, the Durga temple also held significant puja programmes on the first Friday of the Sravana month, coinciding with Shukla Paksha Panchami. A large number of female devotees participated in kumkumarchanas and other rituals, lighting lamps on the temple premises and offering prayers to the goddess.
To manage the increased number of visitors, the Andhra Pradesh state road transport corporation (APSRTC) announced the operation of special buses to One Town area throughout Sravana month. This move aims to facilitate easier access for thousands of devotees expected to visit the temples during this holy period.
