The Bhavanis, this year, are likely to face hardship during their deeksha viramana (relinquishment) if the bad condition of roads were to be considered. The Bhavani deeksha viramana begins on December 23 and will continue till Dec. 27.
Thousands of Bhavani devotees, after taking a holy dip in the river Krishna, make a beeline for the Kanakadurga temple since early morning and offer special pujas to the goddess to mark the relinquishment. Circumambulation of Indrakeeladri is mandatory, irrespective of age, gender and other factors, for relinquishment of the deeksha.
Carrying ‘irumudi’ on their heads, the Bhavanis will make ‘giri pradakshina’ (circumambulation of Indrakeeladri) on bare foot before they relinquish their deeksha. But, the roads, more particularly the road from Kummaripalem centre to toll gate of Indrakeeladri, are in bad shape.
The roads near Potti Sriramulu statue, Durga Ghat, K.L. Rao Head Water Works are not pedestrian-friendly. The devotees, who take extended giri pradakshina covering K L Rao Nagar, Chitti Nagar, Milk Project area, would have to take the roads which is full of potholes and in bad condition. The devotees, who do giri pradakshina via tunnel, will have a breather this time. The respite for them is that the road near Tunnel is repaid recently.
At a meeting organised to review the arrangements being made for the deeksha viramana, the officials concerned were directed to repair the roads. However, there is no proper action from departments like Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The road near Sitammavari padalu to Pandit Nehru Bus Station is also not in good condition.
This stretch does not fall under giri pradakshina route, but the devotees throng here to take a holy dip in the river or offer their hair (kesa khandana) at Sitammvari padalu or Padmavathi ghat. The stretch from Sitammvari padalu to Prakasam barrage is damaged and needs immediate attention.
