Srisailam gears up for Maha Shivaratri rush
Srisailam (Nandyal district): In view of the steadily increasing influx of devotees during the ongoing Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams, District Collector G Raja Kumari has stated that extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful and hassle-free darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba at Srisailam.
Addressing the media at the Devasthanam Command Control Room on Thursday, along with District Superintendent of Police Suneel Sheoran, she said all necessary measures are being implemented to manage the crowd efficiently and provide essential amenities to pilgrims.
The Collector informed that since the commencement of the Brahmotsavams, a total of 2,59,050 devotees have had darshan of the presiding deities. On Wednesday alone, 69,000 devotees visited the temple, with a significant turnout of Siva Swamis during the night. A large number of pilgrims also reached the shrine through the Kailasa footpath route.
So far, 75,000 devotees have taken holy dips at Pathalaganga. Adequate facilities including changing rooms, sanitation arrangements, drinking water, traffic regulation, and queue management have been put in place. Continuous monitoring is being undertaken to ensure smooth conduct of the festivities.
To facilitate transportation, APSRTC has arranged 1,800 buses on Maha Sivaratri day, while 1,000 buses are operating from Telangana and nearly 3,000 buses from other regions. Buses are running every five minutes between Nandyal and Srisailam. Special parking areas have been identified to prevent congestion, and coordinated efforts by the police, Forest Department, temple authorities, and district administration are ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow. Toll fee exemption has been granted from Friday to Sunday and 24-hour vehicular movement has been permitted. In forest areas, motorists have been advised to adhere to a speed limit of 30 kmph, with vehicles allowed in convoys of ten during night hours for safety.
The Collector further stated that in view of the plastic ban along the footpath, permission has been granted - after obtaining approval from the Forest Department - to allow devotees to carry half-litre water bottles from Wednesday afternoon onward. Drinking water is being supplied in queue lines, and milk and biscuits are being distributed to children. Additional shelters have been arranged to accommodate nearly 1.5 lakh devotees for rest on Maha Sivaratri day. On Thursday alone, 71,000 devotees had a peaceful Darshan. The Collector appealed to devotees to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the celebrations.
