Devotees gathered at the Moghileswara Swamy temple near Bangarupalem in Chittoor district on Sunday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Mahasivaratri was observed in Chittoor, Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts on Sunday with a large number of devotees thronging Shiva temples from the early hours of Sunday. Devotees came till late night for darshan and special pujas. Police and revenue officials were stationed at major temples to control crowds and traffic.
In Chittoor district, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Moghileswara Swamy Temple on the Chittoor-Bengaluru National Highway. Special pujas including ‘Rudrabhishekam and Maha Abhishekam’ were performed throughout the day. Standing crowds were also seen at the Siva temples near Kaigal Falls, the hill temple at Mallappakonda and the ancient Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple at Nagari. Devotees used to participate in ‘jagarana’ night prayers. Barricades and queues were erected to prevent overcrowding.
In Annamayya district, Siva temples in Rayachoti and Madanapalle divisions reported good turnout. The leading centers of worship included the Mallaiahkonda Temple and the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. ‘Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam’, Vedic chanting and annadanam programs were also organised. Separate queues were arranged for women and senior citizens.
In Sri Sathya Sai district, devotees thronged the Doddeswara Swamy and Siddheswara Swamy temples in Hemavathi. The Veerabhadra Swamy temple also saw heavy footfall.
Meanwhile, APSRTC operated additional buses to temple towns. Traffic diversions and parking adjustments were made at sensitive locations. Officials said the festival was peaceful.
Published – 15 Feb 2026 19:35 IST