Vijayawada: City of Vijayawada was immersed in devotion as thousands of devotees celebrated Maha Shivaratri with great fervour. More than one lakh devotees gathered on the banks of Krishna River to take a holy dip, transforming the city into a spiritual hub. To manage the massive crowd, special police forces were deployed at key locations.
Devotees believe that bathing in the sacred Krishna River on Maha Shivaratri liberates them from the cycle of rebirth. Many also performed ‘tarpana’ rituals to honour their ancestors, seeking peace for their souls. From the early hours of Wednesday, Durga Ghat, Punnami Ghat, and Bhavani Ghat witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees. To ensure smooth crowd management, rope parties were used to facilitate orderly bathing.
The Kanaka Durga Temple authorities set up dressing rooms for women, while major Shiva temples, including Malleswara Swamy Temple and Vijayeshwara Swamy Temple, saw a surge in devotees. Special rituals such as Mahanyasa Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, Annabhishekam, and Panti Puja were performed. Thousands also visited the Yanamalakuduru Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, where Prabha Ballu (bamboo-made chariots) captivated devotees.
Throughout the night, devotees observed vigil, participated in bhajans, and performed special prayers in temples across Vijayawada.
Devotees believe that bathing in the sacred Krishna River on Maha Shivaratri liberates them from the cycle of rebirth. Many also performed ‘tarpana’ rituals to honour their ancestors, seeking peace for their souls. From the early hours of Wednesday, Durga Ghat, Punnami Ghat, and Bhavani Ghat witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees. To ensure smooth crowd management, rope parties were used to facilitate orderly bathing.
The Kanaka Durga Temple authorities set up dressing rooms for women, while major Shiva temples, including Malleswara Swamy Temple and Vijayeshwara Swamy Temple, saw a surge in devotees. Special rituals such as Mahanyasa Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, Annabhishekam, and Panti Puja were performed. Thousands also visited the Yanamalakuduru Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, where Prabha Ballu (bamboo-made chariots) captivated devotees.
Throughout the night, devotees observed vigil, participated in bhajans, and performed special prayers in temples across Vijayawada.
