Grand Shivotsavam in Anantapur During Maha Shivaratri
Elaborate arrangements have been made for the utsavalu at Thimmamma Marrimanu in Kadiri area
ANANTAPUR: Elaborate arrangements are underway for a Maha Shivotsavam coinciding with the Maha Shivaratri celebrations in Anantapur.
On the occasion, APIIC director Challa Lakshmi Prasad told media that the celestial wedding (Kalyana Vaibhogam) of Lord Arunachaleswara will be performed for the first time in Andhra Pradesh. He announced that special Shiva Lingams have been crafted using stones from the Narmada River.
As many as 10,800 Shiva Lingams will be installed for devotees to perform the abhishekam for Lord Arunachaleswara. Puja material will be provided for free to the devout, along with breakfast and drinking water at the venue.
Following the Kalyanotsavam, rituals, including Eka Harathi, Nakshatra Harathi, Nandi Harathi and the grand Maha Mangala Harathi will be organised in accordance with the Arunachala temple traditions, Challa Lakshmi Prasad stated.
In the interim, district administrations of Anantapur and Satya Sai district are making necessary arrangements at all Shiva temples on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, including at Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple at Tadipatri, Veerabhadra Swamy Temple at Lepakshi, Sri Siddeswara Swamy Temple at Hemavati, and First Road Shivalayam in Anantapur.
Satya Sai SP Sathish Kumar, who visited Lepakshi on Friday, reviewed the security arrangements. Rathotsavam will be performed at Lepakshi and Hemavati temples as part of Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams. An agnigundam has been set up in the Hemavati Lord Siddeswara Swamy Temple premises for devotees to offer sambrani.
It is estimated that shops set up on the approach road to the temple will be selling at least 2 tonnes of sambrani on the occasion.
Elaborate arrangements have been made for the utsavalu at Thimmamma Marrimanu in Kadiri area.
