Religious Fervour Marks Rathotsavam At Srikalahasti

What are you doing? The chariot festival of Lord Sri Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika was held with religious fervor in Srikalahasti on Monday as part of the Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams.

As thousands of devotees gathered to witness the event, the four mada streets around the temple echoed with slogans of “Om Namah Shivaya”, “Hara Hara Mahadeva” and praises of Goddess Gnana Prasunamba.

The ceremonial deities of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were brought in a procession from Alankara Mandapam to chariots stationed in front of the Bikkshala Gali Gopuram.

Temple priests performed special rituals after the deities were placed on decorated chariots. Hundreds of devotees then pulled the ropes to take the Lord’s chariot to Beri Vari Mandapam via Theru Veedhi, Nehru Veedhi and Nagari Veedhi. The chariot of the Goddess was taken to Kalyana Mandapam and stopped briefly before proceeding further.

The lord’s chariot was then pulled from Beri Vari Mandapam to Bikkshala Gali Gopuram, after which the Goddess’ chariot proceeded towards the same spot along Nagari Street. Devotees offered prayers and fulfilled their vows by sprinkling salt and pepper on chariots, a traditional ritual associated with the festival.

Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Sudheer Reddy, temple president Kotte Sai Prasad, executive officer T Bapireddy, former speaker Pratibha Bharati, MLC Kavali Greeshma, Tirupati SP Subbarayudu, temple trust board members and officials attended the festivities.