ANANTAPUR: A three-day long Varuna Yagam fete conducted at the Lord Jambukeswara Swamy temple, in the fort area of Rayadurgam to-wn, concluded on Wednesday.
Rayadurgam town witnessed the influx of a large number of devotees who participated in the fete. 108 women conducted a rally from the Sri Neelakanteswar Swamy temple to the Varuna Yag-am venue as part of the celebrations. Over 60 pri-ests from various parts of the state performed the yagam. The women performed abhishekams at the newly-installed Shiva lingam.
Speaking on the occasion, I&PR minister Kalava Srinivasulu said, “More than 17 of the last 20 years have been marked by severe drought conditions. In addition to human efforts we are seeking blessings from the rain god to overcome the situation.”
Mr Srinivasulu said the Varuna Yagam, which held spiritual as well as scientific significance, was a tradition that had been carried out for many centuries. “We hope the yagam will help the farming community that has been reeling under severe drought for the past few years,” he said.
He said that people from Rayadurgam and various other parts of the district had participated in the event.
P. Satyanarayana Rao, a retired teacher and local resident, said, “The yag-am will definitely produce results and appease the rain god.”
Minister Adinarayana Reddy, MLA Eeranna, MLC Gundumala Thippe-swamy and several others participated in the fete. Mr Thippeswamy said he planned to perform a similar yagam in the Madakasira area.
