The conferment of Bhavani deeksha began at Sri Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri here on Saturday and it will continue till November 25.
Wearing red robes, devotees thronged the temple where priests conferred deeksha on devotees by chanting Vedic hymns. The Bhavanis, as they will now be called, went around temples of Kanaka Durga, Malleswara Swami, Nataraja, Vinayaka, Subrahmanya Swami and Anjaneya Swami, on the hillock.
The two-hour rituals indicated the beginning of 41-day deeksha. ‘Ardha Mandala Deeksha’ will be observed from December 11 to 15 and relinquishment of deeksha would be from December 31 to January 4. ‘Agni Pratishtapana’ will begin at 7 a.m. on December 31. Kalasa Jyoti will be taken out in a procession starting at 5 p.m. at Sri Sivaramanama Kshetram on December 24 and reach the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga the same night. Poornahuti will be performed at 11 a.m. on January 4.
Deepotsavam from today
Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam will organise Deepotsavam at Deeparadhana mandapam from Monday on Indrakeeladri.
Temple Executive Officer Ch.Narsing Rao would launch the ‘Deepotsavam’ at 7 a.m. The devotees interested in ‘Deepa Seva’, (earthen light), can participate by paying Rs. 50.
Two persons would be allowed on a ticket.
The temple would provide new earthen lamp, flicks, cow ghee, he said.