Devotees throng temples

Visakhapatnam: Thousands of devotees thronged Sri Varahalakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam to have darshan of the Lord on the occasion of Vaikuntta Ekadasi on Friday. Devotees stood in serpentine queues to have darshan of Simhadri Appanna.

Meanwhile, the temple was closed till the early hours and after performing special rituals, doors were opened from Uttara Dwaram (north entrance). The devasthanam authorities have made elaborate arrangements and decorated the temple. Devotees believe that God will bless them if they enter the temple from north entrance on Vaikunta Ekadasi. Simhachlam temple wore a festive look.

Executive officer K Ramachandra Mohan and his staff strived to provide hassle darshan to devotees. A large number of VIPs, including founder trustee family members, HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, seer of Visakhapatnam Saradha Peetam Swamy Swaroopanandendra had darshan.

Later, the devotees thronged Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple located at downhills of Simhachalam. The Lord was mounted on a flower bedecked pedestal carried by ‘Garudalvar’ after performing special ‘Tiruveedi Sevas’.

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees rushed to the important temples in the city. Among other temples, Vibhava Venkateswara Swamy temple at Murali Nagar , Sri Rama Satyannarayana Swamy temple at Isukakonda near KGH, Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple at Bheemili and Venkateswara Swamy temple at Venkatadri in Pendurthi rural wore a festive look.

All the temples made elaborate arrangements to help devotees to have darshan of Lord Srimannaraayana from north entrance. A large number of devotees thronged various Vaishnavite temples to offer prayers.