Mahashivratri Brahmotsavams begin at Srisailam

Vijayawada: The sacred hill shrine of Srisailam was filled with spiritual fervour on Sunday as the annual Mahashivratri Brahmotsavams of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy formally began. The nine-day festivities began with the temple complex illuminated with colourful decorative lights, offering a captivating sight to devotees arriving from across the country.The Brahmotsavams commenced at 9 am with temple trustees' council president Pothugunta Rameshnaidu, executive officer M Srinivasa Rao, priests and vedic scholars entering the Yagasala to perform the traditional initial rituals and special pujas. In the evening, a grand Dhwajarohana (flag hoisting) ceremony was held at the main flagstaff, symbolically inviting celestial deities to bless the festival.
From Feb 9, Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Sri Bhramaramba Ammavaru will be taken out daily in various vahana sevas and Gramotsavam at 7 pm, drawing large crowds. The Brahmotsavams will continue till Feb 18, coinciding with the peak Mahashivratri celebrations.Special arrangements were made for Shiva Deeksha devotees arriving with Jyotirlinga lamps (Jyotirmu). Between Feb 9 and 12, they will be provided a Sparsha Darshan (touch darshan) of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy. Camps and facilities have been set up to ensure their offerings are made safely.The temple administration announced darshan timings from 4 am to midnight daily to accommodate the surge in pilgrim footfall. Ordinary devotees will be allowed normal darshan of the deity. Officials said elaborate arrangements are in place to ensure smooth darshan, crowd management and a spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees during the Brahmotsavams.