Devotees Flock to Temples on Shivaratri in Telugu states
The festival of Maha Shivaratri is being celebrated with devotion and grandeur across the Telugu states today. Temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are witnessing massive gatherings of devotees, who have arrived since early morning to offer prayers and perform rituals.
Major Shiva temples such as Draksharamam, Kotipalli Someswara, Vemulawada, Keesara, and Kaleshwaram are filled with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya,” creating a spiritual atmosphere that resonates across towns and villages.
In East Godavari and Konaseema districts, ghats along the Godavari river are crowded with devotees performing holy dips before visiting temples. Special pujas and abhishekams are being conducted throughout the day, with priests performing rituals in traditional style.
In Telangana, thousands of devotees thronged Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple, considered one of the most sacred shrines. Keesara and Kaleshwaram temples also witnessed long queues, with devotees waiting patiently to offer prayers.
The festival marks the night when Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as a divine lingam. Devotees observe fasting, night-long vigils, and chanting of hymns, seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.
Temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowds. Volunteers and police personnel are assisting devotees, ensuring smooth darshan and maintaining order.
Cultural programs, devotional music, and bhajans are being organized at several temples, adding to the festive spirit. Many families are participating together, reinforcing the tradition of collective worship.
Markets near temples are bustling with activity, as vendors sell flowers, bilva leaves, and other offerings. The festive atmosphere extends beyond temple premises, with streets decorated and illuminated.
In Draksharamam, the Panchaarama temple is witnessing extraordinary footfall. Devotees are performing abhishekam with milk, honey, and sacred water, while chanting mantras.
At Kotipalli Someswara temple, rituals began at dawn and will continue late into the night. The temple corridors are filled with devotees singing praises of Lord Shiva.
In Muramalla, Bhadrakali Veereshwara temple is also witnessing large gatherings, with special pujas conducted for devotees arriving from nearby villages.
The significance of Shivaratri lies in its spiritual discipline. Observing the fast and chanting Shiva’s name is believed to cleanse sins and bring divine blessings.
In Hyderabad, temples such as Keesara and Sri Kashi Vishwanath are decorated with lights and flowers. Devotees are attending midnight pujas, considered highly auspicious.
The festival is not limited to temples alone. Many households are observing rituals, with families performing puja at home, offering milk and bilva leaves to Shiva lingams.
The night-long vigil, known as “Jagaran,” is being observed by devotees who stay awake chanting hymns and listening to stories of Lord Shiva.
Across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the festival has brought communities together, reinforcing cultural traditions and spiritual values.
The celebrations highlight the deep devotion of people in the Telugu states, where Shivaratri is considered one of the most sacred festivals of the year.
With chants echoing across temples and riversides, today’s Shivaratri celebrations reflect the timeless bond between devotees and Lord Shiva.
