Thousands pass through forest to reach Srisailam on Sivaratri

Atmakur: About thousands of walkers are moving via the Nallamala forest during the 55-km travel from Venkatapuram to reach the Srisailam Mallanna temple on Sivaratri festival four days away. They are walking through plains, hilly areas, valleys even while chanting the Lord’s praise. The number of walkers is steadily growing.

Since 600 years, devotees from Karnataka and Maharashtra have been found to be moving, as recorded in British manuals. Officials estimate that about five lakh devotees will visit Srisailam this week. With the number of devotees increasing every year the ‘hundi’ collections in the shrine are expected to increase.

The walkers take night rest at Nagaluti Anjaneya Swamy temple, Veerabhadralaya parvatam, Golla mandapam, Kathulakonda, Korkela Konda, Gajula Konda, Ramarla Kunta, and Pebbair. During morning hours, they move via Bheemunikolanu, Kailasa dwaram, Shatakeshwaram, Sakshi Ganapathi to reach Srisailam.

They walk through 15 spots and move for 24 hours while appreciating the nature’s beauty and historic places. At Nagaluti, they are being offered ‘annadanam’, as was the case during the last 23 years. Donors are offering food at various spots en route for the benefit of the devotees, who make it a point to walk through the forest area to avoid hot sun.