As the auspicious day of Mukkoti Ekadasi approaches on December 23, the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam, Vizag, is gearing up for grand celebrations. Elaborate arrangements have been set in motion to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for the devotees.
Anticipated Devotee Turnout and Special Services
- The festival day will commence with special rituals starting at 5 a.m., creating a sacred atmosphere for devotees.
- Approximately 60,000 devotees are expected to partake in the festivities and seek darshan at the temple.
- The Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) will operate special buses for devotees, facilitating smooth transportation.
- The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is actively involved in sanitation efforts and providing drinking water for the convenience of worshippers.
Security Measures and Community Requests
- The Police Department will deploy additional forces to ensure the safety and security of the devotees.
- The temple management has requested the District Collector to order the closure of all liquor shops in Simhachalam on the festival day.
Temple Entry and Auspicious Uttara Dwaram
- Devotees will be allowed to enter the temple through the ‘Uttara Dwaram’ (north gate) on the Mukkoti Ekadasi day.
- Worshipping Lord Vishnu through the Uttara Dwaram is considered highly auspicious on this special occasion.
Traditional Ceremonies and Hereditary Trustee’s Darshan
- According to tradition, P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the hereditary trustee of the temple, will have the first darshan of Lord Vishnu.
- Protocol darshans will follow, culminating in the opening of the temple for all devotees.
Afternoon Rituals and Darshan Options
- ‘Maha Nivedana’ and other rituals are scheduled between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Devotees have the option of free darshan or purchasing special darshan tickets ranging from ₹100 to ₹500.
The Simhachalam temple is all set to immerse devotees in the divine aura of Mukkoti Ekadasi, with meticulous planning and inclusive arrangements. The spiritual fervor is expected to reach new heights as worshippers gather to partake in the sacred festivities. Stay tuned for more updates on this auspicious event.
Source : thehindu
