Devotional fervour marked the beginning of the 13-day Maha Sivaratri Brahmotsavams at Srikahalasti, the abode of Lord Vayulingeshwara, on Thursday evening with the temple priests performing the Ankurarpana (initiation) with the hoisting of Kannappa flag (dwajarohanam) atop the Kannappa hillock adjoining the main temple. Srikalahasti is popularly known as ‘Rahu Ketu Keshtram’ and ‘Dakshin Kasi’.
Amid chanting of Vedic hymns, the temple priests took out the procession of the utsav idol of Baktha Kannappa, the ardent of devotee of Lord Shiva, from the temple to the summit of the hillock, where the initiation was performed. Fervent devotees gave ‘haarati’ to the idol of Baktha Kannappa.
The devasthanam authorities will perform the Dwajarohanam of the Siva temple on Friday.
Significantly, Srikahalati temple follows two dwajarohanam ceremonies, one for Baktha Kannappa in glory of his devotion for Lord Shiva, followed by the latter’s Dwajarohanam. The temple authorities made elaborate arrangements for the cultural events to be unfolded during the festival at Dhoorjati Mandapam.
Temple executive officer Ramireddy, Srikalahasti municipal chairman Radha Reddy, Devasthanam former chairpersons Kola Anand, Shantaram Pawar and local leaders took part in the event.
Heavy security
Heavy police bandobast was present at the temple zone. The temple attracts multitudes of devotees not only from A.P., but also from all over Tamil Nadu and Karnataka during the Maha Sivaratri brahmotsavams, which generally culminates with Lingodhbhava darshan on February 17.
