Arrangements on full swing for Maha Shivaratri at Kotappakonda, Srisailam

GUNTUR: Ahead of Maha Shivaratri celebrations on March 8, 2024, officials have made extensive arrangements at the Kotappakonda Shiva Temple in Narsaraopeta mandal, Guntur district, which is a renowned Shiva shrine. The sacred site is known for its association with the revered sage Agastya Mahamuni, who emphasised the attainment of moksha through the remembrance of Trikutachala.

The Kotappakonda attracts a multitude of devotees who flock to the temple to pay homage to Shiva. The Mahashivratri celebrations at Kotappakonda were accorded the status of a State festival in 2008, drawing devotees not only from Andhra Pradesh but also from other states. The temple has witnessed a significant increase in footfall, with the number of devotees now exceeding ten lakhs, showcasing the eminence of Trikutachaleshwar.

The State Government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the comfort and convenience of devotees visiting the temple this year. Through a series of review meetings overseen by Collector Siva Sivashankar, MLA Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy, and SP Ravi Shankar Reddy, various departments have coordinated efforts to prepare for Maha Shivaratri celebrations at Kotappakonda. It is estimated that approximately 30 lakh devotees would participate in the festivities this year.

To manage the influx of devotees and ensure smooth flow of traffic, the police department has devised special plans and deployed around 3,000 police personnel for the festival. Enhanced security measures, including the use of CCTV cameras, have been put in place to prevent any untoward incidents. Additionally, the Government has set up stalls at the base of the hill, while RTC officials are arranging special buses for transportation of devotees.

On the other hand, the Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam celebrations at the renowned shrine of Srisailam are going on at a big scale. On the fifth day of the celebrations, Mallikarjuna Swamy, who is revered as a significant deity alongside Bhramaramba, bestowed darshan upon the devotees while being processed in Ravanavahanam, a symbolic and ornate vehicle.

The Srisailam temple was adorned with mesmerising electric lights, creating a dazzling spectacle that left a lasting impression on the devotees. Throughout the day and into the night, priests and Vedic scholars conducted special pujas and rituals within the temple premises, invoking divine blessings and spiritual energies.

The deities Bhramaramba and Mallikarjuna Swamy were elegantly placed in Akkamahadevi's decorative mandapam atop Ravana's vehicle, signifying a sacred and ceremonial procession. The priests performed vehicle pujas and offered unique offerings as part of the festive rituals, enhancing the spiritual ambiance and significance of the occasion.

Subsequently, the deities were carried to the village festival amidst a vibrant display of electric lights, marking a joyous and celebratory procession. The Ravana Vahana accompanied by the melodious tunes of Baja Bajantris and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, paraded through the streets of Srisailam, drawing the participation and admiration of a large number of devotees.