Srikalahasti Brahmotsavams begin today

Tirupati: Srikalahasti temple called as ‘Southern Kasi’ has been decked up for Maha Sivaratri Brahmotsavams which begin on February 27 and continue till March 11.

About three lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple and worship Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunamba. The town in general and temple premises in particular were illuminated for the Brahmotsavams.

The temple has been tastefully decorated with painted rangolis and other paraphernalia. Temple Executive Officer S Ramaswamy has been taking all steps and coordinating with temple staff, police and revenue officials.

The Endowments Department has appointed former EO of the temple and present Regional Joint Commissioner D Bhramaramba as special officer for the Brahmotsavams keeping in view her experience in organising the mega event for three years consecutively.

District Collector PS Pradyumna also reviewed the arrangements and directed the officials to take all steps to make the mega festival a grand success.

The Endowments Department has sanctioned a budget of Rs 2.40 crore for conducting the Brahmotsavams. As the authorities are expecting large number of devotees, they have been taking every care to provide a hassle-free darshan for them.

District Collector has instructed temple management to provide quick and easy darshan for all devotees. Accordingly, the management has formed queue lines so as to complete darshan for ordinary devotees in 20 minutes once they enter Mahadwaram.

Temple sources said that food prasadams will be provided to the waiting devotees in queue lines along with purified water. The bathing ghats have been increased in the Swarnamukhi river. As Mahasivaratri falls on Monday this year which is auspicious day for Lord Shiva, devotees may visit the temple in large numbers.

The temple administration is making efforts to ensure satisfactory darshan for each and every devotee. Accordingly, Rs 50, Rs 200 and Rs 500 VVIP darshan tickets will be made available for the devotees.

Cultural programmes were designed to attract the devotees. These include spiritual discourses, classical dance programmes and other entertainment programmes.

Cine playback singer Suneetha, drums maestro Shiv Mani and several other celebrities will be coming to participate in these cultural programmes. Devasthanam made arrangements to transport the devotees from bus stand and railway station and no private vehicle will be allowed near the temple.

The Brahmotsavams will begin with the Dwajarohanam of Bhakta Kannappa followed by Lord Siva’s Dwajarohanam the next day. The Lord will be taken out in a procession on Nandi Vahanam on March 4 on account of Maha Sivaratri while Goddess Gnana Prasunamba will ride on Simha Vahanam. The famous Rathostavam will be held on March 5 whereas Lord’s Kalyanotsavam will be performed on March 7.