An elaborate ritual, known as “Sahasra Ghatabhishekam”, was performed at Srisailam temple on Friday propitiating rain god for copious rains in the State.
The ritual was performed in connection with Masa Sivaratri and Arudra Nakshatra. The holy water fetched from the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati and Krishnaveni and holy ponds- Manohara Gundam and Mallikagundam in the temple were used for abhishekam.
The priests initiated the programme at Vrudda Mallikarjuna Swamy temple which lasted for four hours. Eighteen Vedic Scholars and priests took part in the ritual.
Special rituals were performed at Pathaleswara temple, Nandeeswara, Ankalamma and Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy. Two feet high wall was constructed at Mallikarjuna Swamy sanctum sanctorum to hold two feet deep water around the holy Linga for 24 hours. The water would be drained on Saturday morning on completion of the ritual.
Priests, devotees and temple officials led by Executive Officer Chandrasekhar Azad fetched holy water in more than 1,000 pitchers and filled the space around Siva Linga.
The priests prayed for copious rains, bumper crops and peace in society, which was the main theme of the festival.
