Edupayala Jatara ends with grand Rathotsavam

Medak: The three-day ‘Edupayala Jatara’ in Papannapet mandal of Medak district came to an end on Thursday with a grand Rathotsavam (chariot festival). Nearly three lakh devotees from across the State including, the neighbouring States Maharashtra and Karnataka, thronged the Vana Durga Bhavani Temple at Edupayala to offer prayers.

The forest area situated at Nagsanpalli village next to Majeera project is the place where the confluence of seven rivulets takes place hence, giving the jatara its name ‘Edupayala.’ The jatara started on Tuesday and concluded on Thursday with the final offerings to residing goddess Durga Bhavani by the principal priests. The goddess was attired in a special avatar before the Rathotsavam, a procession with the decorated chariot carrying goddess drawn by devotees.

Deputy Speaker Padma Devender Reddy husband Swami Madhavananda, Jogini Shyamala (a female hermit dedicated to God) were among those who offered special pujas at the temple on the last day of Maagha Amaavaasya. 

On the first and second days, rally or bullock carts, cultural activities and Sivaratri celebrations were carried out. The government had arranged extensive arrangements including transport services for the pilgrims during the three-day festival.