Srisailam Brahmotsavams Begin Ahead of Maha Shivaratri Celebrations
The annual Brahmotsavams at Srisailam have commenced with elaborate rituals and tight arrangements, as authorities prepare to welcome lakhs of devotees for Maha Shivaratri on February 15.
- Srisailam Brahmotsavams begin with Yagasala Pravesham rituals
- Maha Shivaratri celebrations scheduled on February 15 at Srisailam
- Temple authorities make extensive arrangements for devotees
Srisailam, one of the most revered Shaiva pilgrim centres, has entered a festive mode with the commencement of the annual Brahmotsavams ahead of Maha Shivaratri. The celebrations began on Sunday morning with the traditional Yagasala Pravesham and will continue till February 18, drawing lakhs of devotees to the hill shrine.
Temple officials have stepped up preparations, anticipating a massive influx of pilgrims including Shiva Deeksha devotees, padayatra pilgrims and regular worshippers. Maha Shivaratri, falling on February 15 this year, is expected to witness peak footfall at the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple.
The Brahmotsavams feature a series of sacred rituals and vahana sevas spread across eleven days. These include Dhwajarohanam, various divine vehicle processions, silk cloth offerings from prominent temples and governments, celestial weddings, Rathotsavam and Teppotsavam. The festivities will conclude with Ashwa Vahana Seva, Pushpotsavam and Shayanotsavam.
As part of crowd management, all arjitha sevas have been suspended during the festival period and devotees will be allowed only alankara darshan. However, Shiva Deeksha devotees carrying irumudi will be permitted sparsha darshan at designated times until February 12.
To ensure smooth darshan and comfort, authorities have arranged extensive infrastructure across the temple town. Cooling shelters have been set up at multiple locations including parks, pilgrim camps, parking areas and annadanam centres, covering nearly 13 acres in total.
Recognising the heavy demand for prasadam, the Devasthanam has prepared around 35 lakh laddus in advance. Permanent counters along with several temporary counters have been established across the town, with free laddu distribution planned for select days during the Brahmotsavams.
Officials stated that coordinated efforts are underway across departments to ensure safety, hygiene and seamless movement of devotees, making Maha Shivaratri at Srisailam a spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.
