On the occasion of Kartika Shuddha Ekadashi on Thursday, the conferment of Bhavani Mandal Deeksha began grandly at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada. Thousands of devotees received Maladharana from Guru Bhavani and Archakas on the first day.
In the presence of Durga Temple Executive Officer KS Rama Rao and the Vedic Committee members, temple Sthanacharya Vishnubhotla Siva Prasad Sarma started the Maladharanam after performing special pujas at the ceremonial idol at the Mallikharjuna Maha Mandapam. As part of the Maladharanam, the ceremonial idol procession was conducted from the temple to the Mallikharjuna Maha Mandapam.
To take Mandala Deekshas, devotees from across the State thronged the temple. During the Maladharanam, the temple premises resounded with ‘Jai Bhavani’ and ‘Jai Jai Durga Bhavani’ chants. Mandala Deekshas will continue till November 27 and Artha Mandala Deeksha will be held from December 13 to 17. Later, the relinquishment of Maladharas will be performed from January 3 to 7.
Many devotees received Deekshas from Guru Bhavanis and Archakas. These Maladharas will continue for five days, i.e. up to Sunday (November 26). Bhavani Deeksha Maladharana has been conducted at the temple every year since 1983.
Minister Jayaram visits Durga temple
Minister for Labour and Employment Gummanuru Jayaram visited the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam and had darshan on Thursday. Executive Officer Rama Rao welcomed the minister.
Later, the temple scholars gave blessings to the minister at the Veda Ashirvachana Mandapam and presented him with a portrait of Durga Devi, Shesha Vastram and Laddu prasadam.
