Grahanakala Abhishekams performed in Srikalahasti

Tirupati: Following Solar eclipse being observed across the country, special Abhishekams were performed in the famed Srikalahasti temple on Sunday. The temple will never be closed during solar or lunar eclipses and will witness special Abhishekams to the presiding deities Srikalahasteeswara Swamy and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika during the eclipse period.

The popular Rahu Kethu pujas were also held during the period. It was the belief of several people that by visiting the temple during the time of eclipse, they could overcome certain problems in their horoscope.

According to an Archaka in the temple, the idol of Vayulingeswara Swamy in the temple is having all 27 stars and 9 'Rashis' in his Kavacham itself which controls entire solar system. The Rahu and Kethu are with the god and goddess in the temple which is evident from the five headed serpent called Kethu adorns the head of Lord Shiva while a single headed serpent called Rahu in the form of a waist belt also known as Vaddanam of goddess Gnana Prasunambika.

As both Rahu and Kethu will also be worshipped by performing Abhishekams to Swamy and Ammavaru, no evil effects will fall on the temple, he explained. People having various doshas in their horoscope do visit the temple during the eclipse and perform Rahu-Kethu pujas.

The temple management made elaborate arrangements on Sunday to make visitors worship the presiding deities duly following social distancing. However, they were allowed only for 'Maha Laghu Darshan'.

During the day, 3,497 devotees visited the temple while 918 have performed Rahu Kethu Pujas of various categories. Srikalahasti MLA B Madhusudan Reddy, Swarnalatha Reddy, wife of TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy and Executive officer C Chandrasekhar Reddy were among those participated in special pujas.