VIJAYAWADA: Devotees across Andhra Pradesh celebrated the first Karthika Somavaram with deep devotion on Monday. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva were filled with worshippers from the early hours, as people gathered to offer special prayers and rituals.
In Vijayawada, thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Krishna River and lit floating lamps as part of their offerings. The month of Karthika, according to the Telugu calendar, is considered highly auspicious. Many devotees observe a Deeksha, or vow, throughout the month, with Mondays holding particular significance. On these days, worshippers fast and perform the Rudra Abhishekam ritual to honour Lord Shiva.
The historic old Shivalayam in the one town area of the city saw an overflow of visitors, with a queue stretching nearly a kilometre outside. Special prayers were also conducted by Vedic scholars at the Kanaka Durga temple’s Sri Malleswara Swamy shrine, drawing in thousands of devotees.
Throughout the day, worshippers continued to take holy dips during sunrise and sunset, lighting lamps and offering prayers, marking the beginning of this sacred month with devotion and unity.
