All set for Kanipakam temple fest

Chittoor: The stage is set for the annual Brahmotsavam of Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple at Kanipakam, which starts on Vinayaka Chavithi day i.e., on September 5.The temple fete, which draws a large number of pilgrims from across the country, will take off with the performance of special rituals in the temple today.

On the first day of Brahmotsavams, Abhishekam will be performed to the Lord in the morning.Gramotsavam will be held in the evening, ahead of Dhwajarohanam, marking the formal commencement of Brahmotsavams. According to sources, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is likely to take part in the Brahmotsavams on any day of the 21-day fete.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Sunday, temple EO K Purnachandra Rao said elaborate arrangements have been made to cope with the heavy rush of pilgrims during Brahmotsavams.

He said the temple has been spruced up for the annual fete and added that special queues have been set up to ensure hassle-free darshan. He informed that they have cancelled Arjita Sevas during the annual festival to enable more number of pilgrims to have darshan of the Lord.

The EO said that 15 lakh devotees are expected to throng the temple during the Brahmotsavam and free meals would be provided to them. He said with the concerted efforts of all the departments, they are leaving no stone unturned to make the event a great success.

He said round-the-clock monitoring would be in place through 58 CC cameras. He said 250 police personnel and 53 home guards are deployed for the duty in and around the temple zone. He informed that the APSRTC is operating special services during the Brahmotsavam.

The EO said that the DMHO would conduct a medical camp near the temple to attend to emergencies. He informed that all the employees of the temple would be given an incentive of Rs 15,000 in recognition of their services during the Brahmotsavams. He said that a control room would also be set up at Kanipakam for the convenience of devotees.