Rajahmundry: More than 1 lakh devotees are expected to take holy dip in Godavari river and take darshan of Lord Siva at Bhadrakali Sametha Veereswara Swamy temple marking the Maha Sivaratri festival at Pattisam village in Polavaram mandal in West Godavari on Feb. 24-25.
The West Godavari administration has made elaborate arrangements for the devotees to enable them take part in the festivities without facing any trouble.
As many as 15 launches and six punts have beenarranged to transport the devotees from Pattisam ghat to the temple located on the river bund and back to the ghat. It takes nearly
2-3 minutes sail in the river to reach the temple from the ghat. The endowments authorities have erected huge pandals on the temple premises and three queue lines have been set up for having darshan. For each queue line, the devotees have to purchase a ticket of three different denominations -- Rs 20, Rs 50 and Rs 300 each. The darshan timings have been put on display and special counters are set up for sale of ‘prasadam’.
As the devotees are supposed to keep awake throughout the night on February 24, the authorities have arranged cultural programmes, including narration of Harikatha and Burrakatha. On Maha Sivaratri, darshan at the temple will be open for devotees from 2.30 am onwards.
Meanwhile, the RTC is running special services to transport the devotees to the temple from several parts in Godavari districts. Nearly 900 police personnel are being deployed to regulate the devotees standing in queues and also for maintenance of law and order at the temple.
The APEPDCL authorities were directed to ensure continuous power supply and to keep power generators available to avoid power outage, especially during the night time.
The excise authorities have issued orders for closure of liquor outlets at Gudala, Pattisam and Polavaram villages to avoid trouble from the people under the influence of liquor.
The medical and health authorities are setting up three medical camps to take care of health of the devotees. Master swimmers will keep a close guard to avoid untoward incidents. Jangareddygudem RDO S. Lavanna said, “We have made all arrangements to ensure hassle-free darshan at the temple and a holy dip in the river on Maha Sivaratri.”
