: In the ancient Amaravati town, the ritual of a holy dip in river Krishna started off at 5.57 a.m. amid adequate security and logistics ensuring all comforts to the pilgrims.
The three main ghats, measuring about 400 metres and done with rough granite for durability, were completed in time. The ghats were built with funds sanctioned under the Centrally-sponsored PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive)scheme.
The former glory of Amareswara temple has been restored, thanks to PRASAD and funds sanctioned by the Endowments wing. All encroachments have been removed and the cement flooring replaced with rough granite for a traditional ambience. The decorations and the new brass railing in the inner sanctum have lent a graceful touch to the place.
Ensuring seamless accessibility
“We made sure that the ghats are seamlessly accessible to the physically challenged. Physical disability should not be an issue for fulfilment of their spiritual aspirations,” said Amareswar Galla, Curator and Heritage advisor to the State government.
An exquisite sculpture of Krishnaveni carved from a single block of black granite by artisans of Durgi village in Guntur district was installed at one of the ghats. Agriculture Minister P. Pulla Rao and local MLA K. Sridhar unveiled the sculpture at 7 a.m. Within an hour, a large number of pilgrims thronged the place and offered pujas.
With considerable planning, a large number of people have been brought in from outside to assist in successful conduct of the river festival. But enough care was taken to ensure the local character and ownership by families providing authentic local cuisine to the visitors.
Fishing boats brought from around Amaravathi mandalam are deployed along the ghats to ensure safety of the pilgrims in the river. Each boat is manned by two persons ready to jump to action if necessary.
“Krishna Pushkarams is not just about pilgrimage and tourism. The river carnival is about regeneration and revitalisation of our living heritage and values; it is a means to safeguarding our culture in all its dynamism contributing to our sense of place and identity as proud Telugu people,” said Mr. Galla.
