Shakambari festival gets underway

Warangal: The fortnight-long Shakambari festival at the historical Bhadrakali temple got under way here on Wednesday. The festivity is to end on July 16 with the appearance of Shakambari Devi with fruits, vegetables, green leaves and flowers thereby indicating that Goddess is the sustaining force of the world.

According to chief priest Bhadrakali Seshu, Goddess, who was moved by the plight of people owing to prolonged famine on earth, tears rolled from her eyes. The profuse shedding out of her countless eyes turned into a river descended on the earth, bringing a huge relief to the mankind.

The festivities at the temple have begun at 4.30 am with nityahnikam and utsavanigjna prayer. Later, the priests performed Sahasra Kalashabhishekam.

On the occasion, a large number of devotees including Warangal West MLA D Vinay Bhaskar offered prayers at the shrine.