Devotees throng Indrakeeladri on Sravana Pournami

A view of the main entrance of the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop the Indrakeeladri hill during the Sravana Sukravaram celebrations in Vijayawada on Friday. | Photo credit: GN RAO

Thousands of devotees thronged Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri on Friday to mark Sravana Pournami as the annual Pavithrotsavams and traditional Giri Pradakshina added to the spiritual fervor.

The temple premises were decorated with colorful flowers and illuminated with decorative lighting for Sravana Pournami, also called Rakhi Pournami. Devotees from across the Telugu states started arriving at the shrine early in the morning, leading to heavy movement of pilgrims on the hill.

The second day of the annual Pavithrotsavams was marked by special Vedic rituals under the supervision of the temple Vedic Committee, head priests and scholars. Homams, special pujas to the presiding deity and other rituals were performed in the Yagasala and the main temple.

Earlier in the day, the traditional Giri Pradakshina began from the Sri Kamadhenu Ammavari shrine near the Ghat Road entrance. Temple Executive Director VK Seena Naik performed a special pooja and formally called off the religious procession.

Accompanied by traditional drum performances, kolatam dances, bhajans, mangala vadyams and Vedic chants, the procession passed through several places before returning to Indrakeeladri. Women at various points along the route welcomed the procession of haratis and coconuts and raised devotional slogans. Temple authorities distributed kumkum and prasadam to devotees along the Giri Pradakshina route.

With the influx of pilgrims, Mr. Seena Naik conducted an extensive inspection of the facilities at the temple, sub-shrines, Ghat Road and Durga Ghat. He reviewed queues, drinking water facilities, battery vehicles, parking, traffic regulation, security and cloakroom services.

He directed the officials and staff to ensure uninterrupted services, proper hygiene and adequate facilities for the devotees. Free prasadam was distributed to the pilgrims while fresh annaprasadam was continuously served in the temple canteen.

Published – 28 Aug 2026 20:49 IST