Telangana, Andhra Pradesh witness 'Ring of Fire'

Hyderabad: Sky gazers and space enthusiasts across the state witnessed the ring of fire solar eclipse and the last annual solar eclipse of the decade on Sunday. Several people went up to their rooftops and balconies to witness the rare celestial treat though cloudy skies dampened their enthusiasm.

The solar eclipse began at around 10.15 am on Sunday as the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth came in a straight line. In Telangana, it was a partial phase of the solar eclipse. The solar eclipse lasted for about three and half hours.

During the eclipse, temples across the state such as Yadadri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple, Sri Sitaramaswamy temple at Bhadrachalam, Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara Swamy temple at Wadapally, Sri Parvathi Jadala Ramalingeswara Swamy temple at Cheruvugattu and Sri Lakhsminarasimha Swamy temple at Mattampally in the erstwhile Nalgonda district were closed and special prayers for well-being of the humanity were offered.

In the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh, the TTD organised Japa Yagnam at Pushkarini (holy temple tank) adjacent to Sri Venateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala which, according to the devotees, was a spiritual bliss. The TTD also conducted a special programme – "Rahugrastha Chudamani Surya Grahana Japa Yaganam". The partial solar eclipse was observed between 10:18 am and 1:38 pm. Till this time, the unique Japa Yagnam was carried on with utmost devotion.

Sri Bramaramba Mallikarjuna Swami Temple at Srisailam, Kanaka Durga temple at Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada also remained closed and special prayers were offered by the priests during the period of eclipse.

However, the only temple to remain open was the famed Srikalahasti temple, where special abhishekams were performed on Sunday. The popular Rahu Kethu pujas were also held during the period.

Speaking to the media, TTD Agama Advisor Mohana Rangacharyulu said, the Choodamani Surya Grahanam is very auspicious as it occurred on Sunday. Chanting divine mantras on this day will yield prosperity to the entire humanity, he added. The Tirumala temple which remained shut due to the eclipse was reopened at 2.30 pm, but darshan for general public would begin only on Monday.