Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Executive Director M. Srinivasa Rao interacting with the Siva Swamis and explaining the facilities in the queue wards on the second day of the Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams at Srisailam on Monday. | Photo credit: U. SUBRAMANYAM
The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam witnessed a surge in devotees and Shiva Swamy on the second day of the Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams on Monday. The temple town was full of pilgrims and mild tension prevailed for some time when several Siva Swamis jumped the barricades in the queue and tried to force their way into the temple.
A large number of devotees, including Siva Swamis, wait in a queue at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple on Monday for the second day of the Mahasivaratri Brahmotsavams in Srisailam | Photo credit: U SUBRAMANYAM
According to temple officials, thousands of devotees, especially those who took Siva Deeksha, arrived in the temple town from early morning. Some devotees, especially Siva Swamis who had to offer their jyothirmudi, became restless after long hours in queues and raised slogans against the temple management. A few of them jumped over the barricades and tried to rush to the temple gate.
The police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Siva Swamis claimed they were made to wait for hours while VIP priority was given. Srisailam Temple Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao reached the queue and pacified the agitated devotees.
Temple authorities have clarified that only Siva Deeksha devotees will be allowed Sparsha Darshan during the first five days of the 11-day Brahmotsavams at fixed time intervals. Siva Deeksha devotees were stopped for two hours at intervals to facilitate darshan for other devotees as well. Some devotees grew impatient during the process and raised hue and cry, officials said.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that five separate front lines were arranged, including one exclusively for Siva Swamis. Refreshments, biscuits and drinking water were continuously provided to the devotees waiting in the front complexes, and emergency exits were also prepared. Special arrangements have been made for Siva Deeksha devotees, he added.
He urged the devotees to cooperate with the temple management and remain patient in view of the heavy rush. In response to the situation, temple officials have been assigned special duties in queues, sections, laddu counters and other key locations.
Published – 09 Feb 2026 20:21 IST
