As part of the five-day Bhavani Deeksha relinquishment, on Sunday, the second day of the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana Mahotsavam, over 60,000 Bhavani devotees visited the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Vijayawada up to 5 pm. This marked an increase of approximately 20,000 devotees compared to the footfall on the first day of the five-day Bhavani Deeksha relinquishment.
The surge in devotees underscores the immense spiritual significance of the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana Mahotsavam, with devotees flocking to seek the blessings of goddess Kanaka Durga during this auspicious period. Temple authorities have made special arrangements to manage the growing crowd and ensure smooth darshan for all visitors. On the second day, devotees were allowed to take darshan at 3 a.m.
Thousands of devotees participated in the Giri Pradakshina chanting ‘Jai Durga Jai Jai Durga’. They had Kanaka Durga Devi darshan after taking holy bath in Krishna. Later, the Bhavani Deeksha devotees dropped the ghee-filled coconuts and other materials in the ‘Irumudi’ at the ‘Homa Gundam’ at the base of the hill.
Meanwhile, the Durga temple authorities are providing Annadanam for all devotees. Around 21,000 devotees received Annadanam until 5 pm. As many as 2,70,000 Laddu Prasadams were sold out while 10,228 Kesakhandana tickets were sold, said Temple Executive Officer (EO) KS Rama Rao. He noted that 42,000 Bhavani devotees had Durga Devi Darshan on the first day. Also, 1,94,116 Laddu Prasadam and 5,915 Kalyana Katta tickets were sold, he added.
Further, he stated that on the second day, up to 5 pm, 2,69,299 Laddu Prasadam and 10,228 Kalyana Katta tickets were sold. He said that the total revenue on the first day was Rs.36,48,759, while it was Rs.52,06,488 on Sunday. Further, he said that around seven lakh devotees were anticipated during the five-day Mahotsavam.
He said for the first time, they introduced a special app for the convenience of the devotees and security arrangements are being supervised from the integrated command control room at the Model Guest House.
Meanwhile, Minister for Home Affairs and Disaster Management Vanglapudi Anitha, NTR District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha and Police Commissioner SV Rajasekhar Babu inspected the arrangements. Later, the Home Minister monitored the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana Mahotsavam process from the Integrated Command Control Room.
Prior to this, Home Minister Anitha visited the Durga temple. After having darshan, she spoke to the devotees regarding the arrangements. They are giving priority to drinking water and security, she said. She expressed happiness over the arrangements.
Later, Vedic Scholars gave blessings to Anitha at the Veda Ashirvachana Mandapam. EO Rama Rao and others presented her with Sesha Vastram, Laddu Prasadam and portrait. Telangana State Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister D Anasuya alias Seetakka, film actor Upendra, NTR District Police Commissioner SV Rajasekhar Babu and others also visited the temple.
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