Vaggeyakara Utsavams begin on a devotional note

Kothagudem: The five-day event, Vaggeyakara Utsavams, organised by Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Devasthanam started on a devotional note at Chitrakuta Mandapam in Bhadrachalam on Friday.

Scores of classical singers including Malladi Brothers and others from across the country rendered Ramadasu Navaratna Keerthanas. Panchamruta Abhishekam to a statue of Ramadasu on the temple premises was also performed. A descendant of Ramadasu, Kancharla Srinivas Rao, joined the celebrations.

Meanwhile, a huge number of the music lovers descended on the temple town and attended the programmes held on the day. The Chitrakuta Mandapam was decorated with flowers on the occasion.

“The State government is contemplating to develop Bhakta Ramadasu Dhyana Mandiram at Nelakondapalli in Khammam into a popular tourist destination,” said the Director Department of Culture, Mamidi Harikrishna.

The government intends to promote the Mandiram as a centre of excellence in terms of classical and devotional music so as to make future generations appreciate the State’s cultural treasure and also to attract the attention of literary, classical music and dance artistes, he said.

Harikrishna, along with the Khammam District Collector RV Karnan and CPM CPRO Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao took part in the Jayanti celebrations at Nelakondapalli on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Collector stated that with the efforts of the State government Ramadasu Jayanti would be celebrated every year at State level. He further added the Jayanti celebrations that were held at mandal level last year were now being celebrated at district level.

Early in the morning, Ramadasu Jayanti festivities began with Nagara Sankeerthana at Nelakondapalli by students from Sri Vidyaranya Government Music and Dance College, Warangal. Local citizens also participated in the event.
Special prayers were offered to the idols of Lord Rama and Ramadasu. A sand statue of Ramadasu created by sculptor Revelli Shanker on the premises of Mandiram attracted the attention of guests and devotees.