Arrangements underway for Vaikunta Ekadasi fete

Secunderabad: All the necessary arrangements are being made at Kalyana Venkateshwara Temple at Sitaphalmandi on the eve of Vaikunta Ekadasi to be celebrated on December 18. The temple premises are decorated with colorful lights and cinematic settings. Special arrangements were made to enter the temple from the north door. A pandal resembling Tirumala Tirupati Devalayam Temple of Tirupati is being set up at the north door. It is estimated that around 2 lakh devotees would participate in the Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrations to be held at the temple on December 18. Speaking on the occasion, the temple chairman Nomula Prakash Rao said that the celebrations would start at 7 am on Tuesday. He said that all the necessary arrangements are being made to prevent any inconvenience to the devotees during the celebrations.

Kalayana Venkateshwara Temple has achieved popularity not only in Secunderabad, but also in the twin cities and many noted politicians and business pay their visit to the temple during Vaikunta Ekadasi every year. The number of the devotees has been steadily increasing every year. The temple and its premises are being decorated at a brisk pace. The road from the temple to Veeranjaneya Temple is being decorated with colorful lights. Similarly, the arches leading to the temple are being decorated with lights and portraits of Hindu deities. The temple tower in the shape of peacock is being erected before the main temple. In view of heavy rush, barricades are being kept for managing crowd and to prevent any incidences of stampede. Cultural programs by cine singers and students are also being planned. Local MLAs and MPs, including Padma Rao, Talasani Srinivas Yadav and others are expected to visit the temple during the celebrations.