Rathotsavam, Teppotsavam Held in Srisailam
A grand Rathotsavam was conducted for Sri Swamy and Ammavaru, with traditional rituals performed by the Ritviks.
Kurnool: On the ninth day of the Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam at Srisailam, special poojas were performed for Sri Swamy and Ammavaru on Thursday. In the Yagashala, rituals such as poojas for Sri Chandeeswaraswamy, Mandaparadhanam, Panchavaranarchana, Shivapanchakshari, Nityahavanam, Rudrahomam, and Chandihomam were conducted as per Agama Shastra. In the evening, Pradoshakala poojas, Japanushthanam, Rudraparayanam, and Homam were also performed.
A grand chariot festival (Rathotsavam) was held for Sri Swamy and Ammavaru, with traditional rituals like Rathanga Pooja, Rathanga Homam, and Rathanga Bali performed by Ritviks. The chariot was adorned with 11 types of flowers, including marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, kanakambaram, gladiolus, and asters.
Additionally, a Teppotsavam was organised at the temple pushkarini. The Utsavamurthys of Sri Swamy and Ammavaru were first offered Shodashopachara pujas within the temple premises. They were then carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin from the Rajagopuram and placed on a specially designed Teppa in the pushkarini. The festival was conducted with Vedic chants and auspicious music.
The raft was artistically decorated with various flowers, including red, yellow, and white hyacinths, roses, asters, orchids, and gladiolus, along with electric lights, creating a divine spectacle. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the sacred festivities in the temple town.
