Heavy pilgrims rush at Vemulawada temple shrine

K M Dayashankar

Temple authorities allowed ‘laghu’ darshan to benefit pilgrims

Special pujas and other rituals cancelled at temple shrine

‘Kode mokku’ and ‘nitya kalyanam’ rituals allowed

RAJANNA-SIRCILLA:  Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy devasthanam in Vemulawada of Rajanna-Sircilla district is packed to the brim with the arrival of several thousands of devotees from various parts of the state and adjoining states on the auspicious Monday in the month of Sharavana.

Devotees had arrived on Sunday evening only for the early morning darshan on Monday. The devotees formed serpentine queues after taking holy dip in ‘dharmagundam’ (holy tank) to offer prayers to presiding deities. The womenfolk were seen lighting lamps in front of the temple as is a ritual during the auspicious Shravana month.

In view of heavy pilgrims rush, the temple authorities had cancelled all special pujas and rituals and allowed on ‘laghu’ darshan for the early darshan of the devotees in queue lines.  However, the temple authorities had allowed ‘kode mokku’ (tying of an ox) ritual at the temple shrine. The newlywed couples competed in participating in the kode mokku rituals and “nitya kalyanam” puja at the temple shrine.  Sensing heavy arrival of pilgrims, the devasthanam authorities had made all arrangements for the benefit of devotees. They had provided sanitisers in the queue lines and taking up sanitation drive frequently.

The devasthanam authorities were announcing through public address system informing the devotees to wear facemasks. But, the pilgrims were reluctant to wear the masks. All the streets in Vemulawada temple town were packed with the arrival of the devotees in various modes of transportation. The parking lots were also filled to the brim at the temple tank and other areas.

hindudayashankar