Bhadrakali Devi Sharannavaratri Festivities Begin with Grandeur in Warangal

WARANGAL: The Sri Bhadrakali Devi Sharannavaratri Mahotsavams began on a grand note at the historic Sri Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal on Sunday. Temple priests performed special pujas and abhishekams in the early hours, marking the formal commencement of the festival, even as devotees thronged the shrine in large numbers for darshan.

At 4 am, after the daily rituals, priests performed the Utsavanujna prayer. Following Ganapati puja and Punyahavachanam, the deity was offered Purnabhishekam for nearly two hours with Panchamritas, Panchodakas, medicinal preparations, herbal decoctions and fragrant substances.

Festival inauguration

Warangal West MLA Naini Rajender Reddy and his wife inaugurated the Sharannavaratri festivities by lighting the traditional lamp. Temple Executive Officer Ramala Sunitha, founder trustee Dr B. Sivasubrahmanyam and chief priest Bhadrakali Seshulu welcomed them with Poorna Kumbham.

Bheri puja and Dhwajarohanam were performed as part of the opening-day rituals. The presiding deity was later adorned as Bala Tripura Sundari and special pujas were conducted.

Rituals and processions

On the first day of the Navaratri yagam, morning worship was performed in the Shailaputri tradition, while evening rituals followed the Bodhayana Agama and Vedic procedures in the Yoga Nidra Durga tradition.

The Goddess was taken out in a procession on the Vrishabha (bull) vahanam in the morning and on the Mriga (deer) vahanam in the evening. Chief priest Bhadrakali Seshulu said darshan of the Goddess on the Vrishabha vahanam helps devotees overcome mental restlessness and improve concentration in spiritual practice.

Special yagas

Special Vedic recitations and several yagas began at the temple with the participation of donors. These include the Manyusukta Sahasravartana Purassara Maruti Yagam, Shatachandi Yagam, Maha Rudra Yagam, Ganapati Yagam, Sudarshana Yagam, Saura Yagam, Mahalakshmi Yagam, Dasha Mahavidya Yagam, Durga Yagam and Saraswati Yagam.

Cultural programmes organised on Sunday evening attracted devotees. Warangal district Collector Dr Satya Sharada visited the temple with her family and offered prayers, while several judges also participated in the special pujas.

The temple wore a festive look from the first day itself, with devotees arriving in large numbers. Special alankaranas, vahana sevas, yagas and cultural programmes will continue through the Sharannavaratri festival.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KOTHA RAMESH

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