Shiva temples in Chittoor district witnessed a rush of devotees on the occasion of Mahasivaratri, with non-stop chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and special rituals performed.
The annual festivities began on Friday (February 13, 2026) at the famous Mogileeswara Swami Temple, an 8th century shrine near Chittoor. The temple is famous for the perennial spring within its premises, which is believed to have been flowing for centuries, attracting pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other parts of the country.
Temple authorities said the official Nandi Seva will be held on Mahasivaratri on Sunday (February 15), followed by Lingodhbhava Darshan in the wee hours of Monday (February 16), coinciding with the auspicious night of Mahasivaratri. Kalyanotsavam is scheduled on Tuesday (February 17) while the festivities will culminate with a float festival on February 23.
In Kuppam, the Lord Malleswara Swamy temple atop the Mallappa Konda hill was also decorated for the festivities. The temple organizers said that the darshan timings will start from the early hours of Sunday and will continue till Monday late evening.
The 11th century Raju Gudi Temple and the Agastheeswara Swami Temple on the banks of the Neeva River celebrated the festivities on a grand scale in Chittoor.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has announced the operation of more than 24 special buses from various parts of Chittoor district to major Shaivite centers including Srisailam, Kotappakonda and Draksharamam Temple.
Besides, special services will operate in the combined district of Chittoor from Saturday evening (February 14) to facilitate devotees to visit local Shiva temples. Anticipating a heavy crackdown on the weekend, the authorities have taken elaborate measures to ensure smooth darshan and crowd control.
Published – 13 Feb 2026 20:41 IST