Srikalahasti gears up for Mahasivaratri annual Brahmotsavams from Feb 10

Tirupati: The world-renowned Lord Shiva temple at Srikalahasti is decked up in all its grandeur for the Mahasivaratri annual festival, slated to get underway at this ancient shrine located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi river from Feb 10.AP endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy reviewed the arrangements with the Srikalahasti Devasthanams officials and the Tirupati district administration on Friday. The minister said the state govt decided to celebrate Maha Sivaratri in a grand manner across the state. The coalition govt is organising the festivals in all temples as per Agama rules and traditional practices."Most of the arrangements at Srikalahasti are complete. Steps are being taken to install new electric decorations with govt approval. Darshan tickets will be available in 2 categories – Rs 200 and Rs 500, while free darshan will be provided to all other devotees," Anam asserted.Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Sudhir Reddy said that elaborate arrangements were in place to ensure the Brahmotsavams are conducted better than in previous years. He said all facilities will be provided for smooth darshan, and that pocket calendars of Lord Srikalahasteeswara Swamy and Goddess Gnana Prasoonambika Devi will be distributed to all devotees.District collector Dr S Venkateswar underlined that special importance is being given to common devotees. Brahmotsavams will be conducted with better coordination among all departments compared to last year. Strict steps are being taken to prevent child marriages during the festival period. Additional bus services will be arranged for devotees, and CCTV cameras and drone surveillance will be strengthened to prevent untoward incidents.The Tirupati district police wing was directed to make elaborate security arrangements for the Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams.