Suryopasana performed in Durga Temple at Indrakeeladri

Vijayawada: Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam officials conducted Suryopasana on Monday.

Temple EO G Koteswaramma and Temple Trust Board member Y Gouranga Babu participated in this programme under the guidance of Stanacharya V Siva Prasad and had the blessings of deity.

Later, the officials informed that on February 16, 17, 19 and 24 (4 days) and March 1, 2 and 3 Suryopasana will be conducted and one have to pay Rs 1000 to be a part of Suryopasana. They stated that the tickets are made available online at www.kanakadurgamma.org website.

Besides Kanaka Durga temple, 'Rathasaptami’ festival was celebrated all over the city with fervour and joy. Many students organised Surya Namaskarams in schools and prayed to the Sun God for a bright future. 

Referring to religious scriptures, a priest Subramanya Sastri said that Saptami tithi is dedicated to Lord Surya. Shukla Paksha Saptami in Magha month is known as Rathasaptami or Magha Saptami.

He added that one should take bath during Arunodaya on Ratha Saptami. Taking bath in river or canal is preferred, he said. The devotees keep leaves of jilledu (datura) on their head and shoulders before taking bath.