Religious fervour marked the launching of Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsav-ams at Dwadasa Jyotirli-nga Kshetram Srisailam on Monday.

The Brahmotsavams will conclude on February 23, while the main Shivaratri festival will be celebrated on February 20.

In the morning, the ritual on the eve of entry to yagasala, Ganapatiho-mam, Punyahavachanam and Chandiswara puja were performed.

After Ankurarpana and Agni Pratishtapana in the evening, priests performed Sakala Devata Ahvanapurvaka Dhwaj-arohanam to mark the launch of the Brahmot-savams.

The Brahmotsavams which end on February 23 with the performance of Vasantotsavam and Dhajavarohanam.

The celestial marriage of Shiva-Parvati will be performed on Maha Shivaratri festival.

All arrangements such as drinking water and toilets were made for devotees, expected to come in lakhs.

Temple authorities also made arrangements for special darshan for VVIP and VIPs. Special counters were set up to sell prasadam. Special teams were formed to keep a tab on private hotels from fleecing devotees.

The APSRTC is operating special services to Raichur, Bellary, Gulbarga and other places in Karnataka.

The Brahmotsavams will also get underway in Mahanandi and Yaganti from February 18 and 19 respectively.