15L devotees expected to visit Srisailam for Sivaratri: Executive Officer

Kurnool: Devotees in large numbers from the neighbouring districts in the state and from other States thronged the Srisailam temple to have the darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi here on Thursday.

The temple authorities have made all necessary elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims visiting the sacred temple, in view of ‘Mahasivaratri’ next week. Speaking to the media, Executive Officer of the Temple N Bharath Gupta said that around 10-15 lakh devotees were expected to visit the Srisailam temple on the auspicious occasion of Mahasivaratri, falling on February 14. 

The eleven-day Brahmotsavam which began on Tuesday would conclude on next Thursday. The TTD authorities will offer silken clothes to both Lord Mallikarjuna and his consort, Goddess Bhramaramba Devi on Friday while the state government will also offer the silken clothes on Saturday, the EO said.

He said that the temple authorities have constructed bathrooms, toilets and arranged locker facilities at Pathalaganga. Around 5,000 devotees could be accommodated there, he stated. As many as 500 temporary resting sheds and tents will be setup at all available open places in the temple town and 25 lakh gallons of drinking water will be supplied every day. 

Three queue lines will be arranged, one line for free darshan, another one for Siva Deeksha devotees and third one for special darshan at a cost of Rs 200 per head. Tiffin, drinking water and buttermilk would be supplied to the devotees for free of cost. Annadanam will also be served at special tents and at Annapurna Bhavan. He said that 40 lakh laddus would be prepared and distributed to the devotees on the occasion.  

Cultural programmes are being organised every day from the early hours and they will continue round-the-clock during these 11 days of Brahmotsavams. “Medical tents and camps have been set up at 100 places by the Health department.  Special attention is being paid to the devotees who reach Srisailam on foot through the forest area,” the EO mentioned.