A large number of devotees turn up to witness the Rathotsavam at Srisailam on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: U. SUBRAHMANYAM

Srisailam was filled with a sea of devotees on Ugadi day, Sunday, to witness the Rathotsavam, the main attraction of the grand Ugadi Mahotsavam, which were held smoothly.

On the occasion of Ugadi, the priests performed special pujas to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramarambha, followed by the ‘Chandeeswara Puja’, ‘Mandaparadhana’ and other rituals at the yagasala. Similarly, ‘Chandi homam’ was performed at the Goddess Bhramarambha yagasala.

In the evening, the temple priests performed ‘Radhanga Puja’, ‘Radhanga Homam’ and ‘Radhanga Bali’ rituals after which the much-awaited ‘Rathotsavam’ began.

Thousands of devotees watched as the processional deities were taken on the beautifully decorated chariot. Goddess Bhramarambha was adorned in Ramavani Sametha Rajarajeswari alankaram for the ‘Gramotsavam’ performed in the temple town. Traditional artisans from Kerala, Mumbai, and Karnataka, as well as folk artists, performed in front of the chariot.

As per tradition, Panchanga Sravanam (almanac reading) was held, during which the temple Executive Officer, M. Srinivasa Rao, and others participated.

Superintendent of Police Adhiraj Singh Rana supervised the security arrangements and personally monitored the queue lines, the temple surroundings and the Rathotsavam.