Massive Rush for Surya Upasana at Durga Temple

: While the weekly holiday attracts huge crowds, thousands of devotees thronged the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (Durga temple) atop Indrakeeladri on Sunday; Meanwhile, the temple conducted Surya Upasana Seva with religious fervor for the welfare of the world and the welfare of its devotees.

The special ritual was performed in accordance with Vedic traditions by the Vedic scholars of the temple who recited Aruna Parayanam, Mahasoura Parayanam and Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali, besides offering special prayers to Lord Surya. Surya worship is believed to provide health, vitality and mental peace, temple scholars said, adding that Sundays are considered particularly auspicious for praying to the Sun God.

Later, a special harathi was offered to Goddess Kanaka Durga and teertha prasadam was distributed to the devotees. The temple management has advised devotees who wish to participate in Arjitha Sevas, including Surya Upasana, to book tickets in advance through the official Mana Mitra WhatsApp service or at the temple counters.

The influx of devotees increased sharply around 9 am, leading authorities to step up crowd management measures. Under the supervision of deputy bailiff Kishore Kumar, temple staff supervised queues and ensured smooth movement of pilgrims.

To facilitate faster darshan for general devotees, Antaralaya Darshan has been temporarily suspended from 10.30 am, while all categories of VIP darshan have been canceled between 10.30 am and 3 pm. This move enabled thousands of devotees waiting in the queue to reach the presiding deity faster.

Amid the prevailing summer heat, authorities continued the innovative mobile drinking water service by directly providing cold water to devotees waiting in the queue through portable water containers. This initiative was appreciated by the pilgrims. Free prasadam and annadanam were distributed continuously throughout the day.

After 15.00 the density gradually decreased. Enforcement officer VK Seena Naik monitored the arrangements through wireless communication and gave instructions to officials for effective queuing regulation. Members of the temple trust board also inspected the facilities and interacted with devotees who expressed satisfaction with the efficient arrangements despite heavy attendance.