Dasara festivities begin at all major temples across Nandyal district

The Dasara Navaratri celebrations began in a grand manner at all major temples in Nandyal district on Sunday.

As part of the celebrations at the famous pilgrimage site of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Ahobilam, ‘Thirumanjana Seva’ (heavenly bath ritual) was performed with great devotion on Sunday. Thirumanjana Seva was performed for Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy using sacred waters amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras.

Darshan of the Lord and special rituals created a sense of devotion among the devotees in Ahobilam. Devotees prayed for longevity, health, prosperity and happiness for all and sought the blessings of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.

Meanwhile, at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, the ‘Sri Devi Sarannavaratri Mahotsavams’ began as per tradition and scriptural instructions. As part of the festival proceedings, Pothugunta Temple Board Chairman Ramesh Naidu, Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao accompanied by his wife along with presiding priests, Sthanacharyas, temple priests, Vedic scholars and officials entered the temple in traditional fashion carrying turmeric, vermilion, fruits and flowers.

Rituals like ‘Yagashala Pravesham’ (entrance into the ritual pavilion), ‘Ganapathi Puja’, ‘Deeksha Sankalpam’ (pledge of observance), ‘Kankana Puja’ and ‘Kankana Dharana’ (consecration initiation) and tying ‘Ritvigvaranam’ (selection of officiating priests) were held in the temple pavilion of the goddess to mark the commencement of the festivities.

“Sahasra Chandi Parayana-sahita Shata Chandi Maha Rudra Yagam” was performed this year for the first time during Sri Devi Sarannavaratri festival for the welfare of the world.

“Kumari Puja”, a ritual in which a young girl between the ages of two and 10 is worshiped with offerings of flowers, fruits and new clothes, will also be performed daily as part of the Dasara festival, officials said.

As part of the ‘Navadurga Alankaram’ (decoration in the nine forms of Durga) during Navaratri celebrations, the presiding deity was decorated as Goddess Shailaputri in the evening. ‘Bhringi Vahana Seva’ was also performed at night as part of the ‘Vahana Seva’ (divine vehicle procession) rituals performed for the Lord and Goddess during the festivities.

Published – 11 October 2026 20:00 IST