The five-day Bhavani Deeksha relinquishment programme at the Kanakadurga Temple began here on Sunday with a huge number of Bhavanis from across the State taking to the Indrakeeladri and its premises to perform various rituals.
Having observed the holy deeksha, the Bhavanis walked barefoot to the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam and after circumambulating (giri pradakshina) the Indrakeeladri through narrow streets and busy roads surrounding Indrakeeladri. The streets turned red as bhavanis in groups wearing red robes kept flocking throughout the day. After circumambulation, the Bhavanis take a holy dip at the Durga Ghat at the foot of Indrakeeladri and enter the queue lines at Vinayaka Temple to have a glimpse of the presiding deity. Later, at Arjuna Veedhi they leave the irumudi at special counters near the homagundam as part of the ritual. As it was a holiday, the turnout was as expected even on the first day of the five-day programme that ends on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the temple doors were kept open since early hours.
Temple EO A. Surya Kumari said that about 10 lakh Bhavanis as expected as it is the second biggest annual event of the temple. “The rush would be more during last two days and we have made necessary arrangements,” Ms. Surya Kumari said speaking to reporters. The temple will be open from 3 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Along with the temple authorities, various NGOs and organisations set up drinking water and other facilities for the devotees. About 40 counters were set up by the temple authorities for laddu and bhangi prasadam distribution to the devotees. The temple is also running free bus services from the railway station and Pundit Nehru Bus Station frequently. Police deployed personnel to oversee the security and safety issues of the devotees in the surroundings of the temple.
Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner J. Nivas inspected the Padmavati Ghat, Krishnaveni Ghat and Durga Ghat and other areas.
He asked the officials concerned to ensure that all facilities are provided to the Bhavanis. He also inspected the Mana toilets complex near Padmavati Ghat and asked the staff to keep it clean round the clock.
