People in their best attire best thronged in large numbers at the historic Bhadrakali temple on the first day of navaratri celebrations here on Tuesday.
Nizamabad MP K. Kavitha and others joined the launch of celebrations while main priest Seshu conducted the proceedings. Keeping in view the rush of devotees, elaborate arrangements were made at the temple.
“Telangana has got rich legacy and centuries-old temples across the State. I am happy to be part of navaratri celebrations at this ancient Bhadrakali temple and pray for the welfare of people of State,” she told the gathering.
Scores of people brought their new vehicles for special puja as it was considered auspicious.
Temple Executive Officer K. Anjani Devi, trustee and chief priest Bhadrakali Seshu said lighting, sanitation, barricading, drinking water, health facilities were being made. The officials of Municipal Corporation, Medical & Health Department, Police, Roads & Building, Transco and others were engaged in making arrangements at the Bhadrakali temple.
The navaratri celebrations began on October 13 with Dwajarohanam and kalasha stapana followed by Lalitha Panchami on October 17, moola nakshatra pustaka rupini saraswati puja on October 19, Saddula Bathukamma on October 20; Durgastami on October 21 ; Vijayadasami on October 22 and Sri Bhadrakali Bhadreswara Kalyanam on October 23.
There would be special pujas during morning hours and spiritual discourses and cultural programmes during evening hours. CCTVs would be set up for the devotees to witness the pujas and other programmes live.
According to the local lore, this temple was built by King Pulakesi-II of Chalukya Dynasty in 625 AD to commemorate his victory over Vengi rulers.
Subsequently, the Kakatiyas, who came to ruling continued to worship Bhadrakali, and Ganapati Deva was believed to have built a sprawling lake that stands adjacent to the temple.
For a long time, this temple remained in dilapidated condition and abandoned by one and all until was revived by Ganesh Sastry in 1940s.
The business communities of Warangal continue to patronise the temple and donate generously for its development. Now it has become one of the prominent temples in the State owing to its history and spiritual significance.
Khammam Staff Reporter adds: Sarannavaratri festivities are all set to begin at Goddess Sri Lakshmi Tayaru temple on the premises of the historical Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam on Wednesday.
Abishekam, Samuhika Kunkumarchana, Sri Ramayana Parayanam among other holy rituals will be organised at the temple on the inaugural day of the nine-day festivities in the temple town.
Goddess Sri Lakshmi Tayaru will be adorned as ‘Adi Lakshmi’ on the first day of the Devi Navaratri Utsavam on Wednesday, according to temple sources.
Sri Rama Maha Pattabishekam, Shami Puja, Sri Rama Leela Mahotsvam will be held on the concluding day of the festivities on October 23.
Meanwhile, Goddess Durga idols were installed at various localities, including Jambi Banda, the venue of the upcoming Dasara festival celebrations, in Khammam on Tuesday.
