The 13-day Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams will commence at Srikahalasti, the abode of Lord Vayulingeswara, with ‘Ankurarpana’ (initiation) and hoisting of Kannappa flag (dwajarohanam) atop the Kannappa hillock on February 12.
Chanting Vedic hymns, the temple priests of Srikalahsti temple will undertake procession of the utsava deity of Bakta Kannappa, an ardent of devotee of Lord Siva, from the temple to the top of the adjoining hillock, where the initiation will be performed.
Speaking to the media, Srikalahasteeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam Executive Officer Rami Reddy said that elaborate arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the event, particularly on the ‘Lingodbhava Darsan’ day on February 17, marking Maha Sivaratri.
The temple town would witness mass marriages during the Swami Kalyanam on the penultimate day of the event. The important days of the Brahmotsavams are: Mahasivaratri and Nandi Seva on February 17; Rathotsavam on 18; Kalyanotsavam on 19; Kailasagiri Pradakshin on 21; and Float festival on 23. An estimated five lakh devotees were expected to throng Srikalahasti on Mahasivaratri festival.
In view of the peak rush, the Devasthanam made elaborate arrangements for them by erecting pandals, temporary toilets and bathing ghats along the Swarnamukhi river. Over 1,000 police personnel were expected to be deployed for the festival to take care of the security aspects. Meanwhile, the APSRTC will operate special buses from Tirupati to various Saivite centres in the district like Talakona, Mogili, Sadasivakona, and other famous centres like Srisailam, Draksharamam, Kaleswaram and Mahanandi.
